Loose Footing

Mark 4: 5-6

Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

Continuing with the parable of the sower, Jesus mentions the seed that fell among rocky ground. Seeds that fall on rocky ground tend to find instant moisture and sprout. Their roots are shallow. However, due to lack of firm and deeper roots, such plants tend to wither very quickly. Any outside force like wind or water or heat will quickly kill the plant. If the roots had firm hold in the soil underneath those rocks, then, they probably would survive. A stronger and deeper root keeps a plant healthy, steady and strong despite the changing weather patterns and other external factors.

Jesus likens such seed to people who receive God’s Word gladly but due to lack of firm footing in the Word, get distracted or affected by outside influences. In Luke’s Gospel of Jesus Christ, Jesus explains that such people believe for a while but in time of temptation, give up on God. In Matthew’s Gospel of Jesus Christ, Jesus adds that such a person with no firm root in himself, falls easily into temptation or when a small persecution arises, immediately falls away. Their joy of receiving the Word of God is only temporary.

For a plant to grow, they need their root structure to be firmly established before they even put out their first stem or first set of leaves. Once the seed’s root is established, now the small sprouted seed tries to put its energy into sending forth a stem and slowly leaves. If the root has not gone down deep enough, if it hasn’t established a firm footing in the soil, then sure enough, any environmental forces can curb its growth. Rocky places are not ideal places to establish roots.

In my own gardening experience, I’ve noticed this difference with succulents. When they have rocky soil, they will struggle for a few days. But over watering or exposure to extreme weather can kill them. Many a times, they are beyond revival. However, when the same succulents are planted in well-draining, nutrient rich soil, they thrive and establish their roots. Once the roots are established, they put out new leaves. Even if extreme weather conditions seem to beat down on the plant, they will conserve their energy and wait for right conditions to continue to grow again.

How is the Seed – God’s Word planted in our lives? Are we on rocky soil finding hard to establish roots? Are we easily swayed by temptation? Are we quick to give up on God when faced with persecution? Do outside forces influence us more than the Word of God? Do we hold our peace when facing a trial? Or do we find ourselves anxious and restless at the slightest disturbance?

If our faith is deep enough, confident enough, and strong enough in the Lord, we can endure any kind of stormy weather. No outside influence can uproot us. In these dark days, it is imperative that we let down our roots deeper in the Word of God. With numerous distractions, lies and deception to steer us away from the path that God set before us, it is vital for us to check our root system and the surroundings that we are placed in. Are the people around us enhancing our growth or are they stumbling rocks that are hindering our healthy growth? Are life’s trials and temptations keeping us grounded in the Truth of the Gospel or are we being easily carried away by a slight tickle of the ear?

In exhortation, John 15: 5

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.