Rocky Ground and Allotted Time

Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seed which falls on rocky ground speaks to me today. Jesus says of this seed, "It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow." (NIV)

We know the soil of the heart is the main issue of this parable. We want to know if our heart is truly prepared to be the good soil where the word of God can really take root and grow.

Here is what is intriguing about the rocky soil for me today:

Who doesn't want to spring up quickly?

Who wouldn't want to see their faith and all the blessings of mature faith shoot up quickly and be evident overnight? I think we all would want to have faith that springs up quickly for all to see and notice.

Jesus this faith we all would love to have is shallow. It is not deep and good soil, and a faith that springs up does not have roots. It will fade in the hot sun of hard times and struggles.

The implication is that good faithful followers of Jesus are able to give growth the time it needs. They know good soil is not acquired overnight with little effort, but is cultivated with work over time. This is the way true maturity of faith occurs.