Calendar

THE STONY PLACES (2)
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Matthew 13:1-23

Memory Verse: Matthew 13:21

 

“…when tribulation or persecution
ariseth because of the word,

by and by he is offended.”

 

THE STONY PLACES (2)
 
The second way to hear God’s Word is called the “stony places” (Matt 13:5). From the surface of the earth, it appears to be good fertile soil. It is damp and dark, like good soil. It has the appearance of fertility, and when the seeds fall on it, it sinks into the earth, giving the farmer the impression that it will bear fruit when harvest comes. Matthew 13:5-6: “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.” Sadly, beneath the fertile-looking soil were stones. Because of the fertile topsoil, the seeds died and grew. Young shoots appear out of the ground. But there was no deepness of earth. No roots were formed beneath the earth. When the sun came, the young shoots dried up and died.
 
Jesus explains the stony places in Matthew 13:20-21: “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” These are also found in churches and Bible Studies, for they belong to the same congregation since they are exposed to the same Word. The stony ground represents hearers who say amen when the Word of God is preached because they received the Word with joy. His heart might be warmed within by his nodding of the head in constant agreement with the preacher. He might even shed some tears. He feels good about his response to God’s Word. But when persecution (i.e. being threatened) or tribulation (i.e. being pursued) arises because of the Word that he accepts and wants to obey, he fails to obey it. These tribulations and persecutions may include loss of jobs, family, family’s love or approval, or freedom or life.
 
The “stony places” warn professing believers to be careful of the delusion of mental acceptance of God’s Word without obedience. The experience of suffering for Christ is part of every believer’s testimony.
 
THOUGHT: Am I afraid of persecution?
PRAYER: O heavenly Father, grant me courage in times of persecution so that I may not be a hearer only, but also a doer of Thy Holy Word.

Search