Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

The Dangerous Soil (Part 2: The Parable of the Sower)

The Kingdom of God is not a location or destination; it has been implanted in the hearts of Christ followers since the arrival of King Jesus, when He came and brought all of the power and resources of Heaven with Him.

Thankfully, since that time, God’s character, His Kingdom, and His mission have remained the same. He has never stopped moving in the world He created and in the lives of those He made. His sights have always been set on us, and His Words, alive and active, have always been designed to penetrate deep into our hearts and shape our identity around His, from the inside out.

It is important to remember: only those who have ears to hear will enter His Kingdom and be empowered by it.

Jesus is faithful to sow the seed of His Word, but it is incumbent upon us to choose whether to receive it or reject it. There is only one kind of healthy soil in which His seed can safely flourish, and many other soils that refuse to accept it.

Those unwilling to receive His Word are described by Jesus as dangerous soil, while those who embrace it are characterized as good soil.

1. Hard Heart

As the generous farmer scatters his seed, some fall along a path beaten down and packed with dirt so hard that it feels like concrete underfoot. The seed has nowhere to go, so it sits on top of the crusty soil, making it easy fodder for the birds to snatch up and eat quickly. This is dangerous soil.

Jesus delivers this warning: “Do not listen to my words with a hard heart!” Attempting to do this is as effective as setting a plant on the sidewalk and expecting it to grow into a tree. It is impossible!

This kind of heart is hardened by sin and becomes the enemy's playground. He waits attentively for the Word to be proclaimed, blocking you by any means necessary from processing what you have heard. It comes in one ear and out the other, as if it were never spoken at all. It is entirely possible to encounter God’s Word without ever letting it sink in.

2. Shallow Heart

The kind farmer spreads more seed, but this time it falls upon rocky soil. This soil is riddled with small pebbles, creating an uninhabitable environment where roots cannot grow deep enough to withstand sun, storms, drought, seasons, bugs, or disease. This is dangerous soil.

Here, Jesus says, “Do not listen to my words with a shallow heart!” A shallow heart can be deceiving because it enthusiastically receives the truth and intends to take it in. However, when unexpected trouble or pain comes, it withers and dies.

This is an emotional response to God’s Word, but emotions alone cannot anchor us when suffering or persecution arrives. Without a personal encounter with Jesus, it becomes far too easy to walk away because following Christ appears to have little or no value.

Prayer

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13, ESV).

Jesus, thank You for the power of Your Word and its ability to change me. Amen.