Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil; and at once they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they dried up and withered away. (Mat. 13:5-6 AMP)
Alright, now we’ll skip a few scriptures and find Jesus giving the meaning of is this parable…
As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away. (Mat. 13:20-21 AMP)
The rocky heart. This is the kind of heart that looks good on the surface, but underneath the dirt, where the plow could not reach, is solid rock! And this rock prevents the roots from growing down deep where it can absorb moisture and receive nourishment. Here is an example of this “rocky” heart: It hears the Good News and accepts it with joy. It is excited and can’t wait to tell everyone about his new found purpose in life. This person may be zealous in church attendance, bibles studies and prayer. However, when affliction or persecution comes - and it will - they quickly fall away because their spiritual house was built on sand. The testing and trials exposed the true condition of the heart and the cost of discipleship became too high. It wasn’t a true conversion and it is evidenced in his falling away.
Can I tell you that was EXACTLY the condition of my heart after I accepted the Good News with joy! That was totally me!!! Lordy! Lord! I have been down that road, taken that test, and failed it miserably! I thought I was alive and vibrant, only to discover that I was lifeless and would soon fall away. Listen, God will use the storms of life so He can expose the true condition of our heart! Look at what God’s Word says “Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. (1 Pet. 4:12 AMP)
The persecutions and afflictions that take place in our life will test the quality of our heart. We do not want to be deceived in thinking that our relationship with Him is built on solid rock only to discover we weren’t standing on the Rock at all, but on sinking sand. Here is the Good News…He doesn’t reveal the condition of our heart to condemn us, but rather He wants our hearts to be firmly established and rooted in Him. Our relationship with Him must have endurance! That is what He is after. “But He that endures to the end will be saved!” (Mat. 24:13)
The same affliction and persecution that makes the “rocky” heart wither will make the true believer stronger!