“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.”
Matthew 13:20-21
English Standard Version Bible. London: Crossway, 2010.
In Joshua Tree National Park, rock formations reaching heavenward seem to cry out for life. It was the same in the deserts of ancient Judea. Out of all the wonders of nature, mountains, cliffs and stony precipices of every kind carry with them a weight and gravitas, some air of potential energy. Rocks contain a certain grandeur along with a forlorn quality of unflinching obstinacy. On the wind, seeds find their place and tuck themselves away in some cozy fissure, safe and sound. They set up shallow roots in the crannies of the high places. But to remain, they must be hardy. Most plants fade away.
Out of all Christ’s disciples, one was known for his rock-like nature. Simon Peter, from the Greek Petros, was a hardy fisherman and sailor. If you met Simon son of Jonah, I’m sure you, as Jesus Himself acknowledged, would marvel “Now there stands a rock of a man!” The first to act (Mt. 4:18-20) and the first to speak (Mt 16:15-16), Peter was a force to be reckoned with. In my imagination, I get a picture of Peter as a sort of personified Masada, one of Herod the Great’s fortified palaces located in the Judaean Desert.
“Many are glad to hear a good sermon, who do not profit by it. They are told of free salvation, of the believer’s privileges, and the happiness of heaven; and, without any change of heart, without any abiding conviction of their own depravity, their need of a Saviour, or the excellence of holiness, they soon profess an unwarranted assurance. But when some heavy trial threatens them, or some sinful advantage may be had, they give up or disguise their profession, or turn to some easier system.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. M. Henry (1662 – 1714).
In Jerusalem, things looked bleak. In the courtyard, outside the impromptu trial of Jesus, the winds of tribulation and persecution are rising around Peter. “What kind of Messiah is this?” would have been the question boggling the Jewish mind. “Here is One who turns the other cheek and takes death in His stride!” There were no chariots, no use of swords – though Peter carried His at the ready (Jn 18:10) – and no signs of martial victory. The tender young plant, showing his first signs of fruit, was now swaying under the torrential downpour. “You were definitely with Jesus!” They peered at him through a jeweler’s eyepiece. “He’s one of those disciples!” They inspected him for inclusions. “Think we could find another crossbeam for one of Jesus’ followers?” They tested him for cracks. “I don’t know this Jesus!”. The stone split. Peter’s tempters sowed no seed and gave no water.
Like a rock, Peter was there for support. The faith and willing obedience Peter demonstrated would exemplify that faith needed to build Jesus’ living temple here on earth, that glorious temple that all of the assailants in Hell cannot ever overcome (Mt 16:18). However, he chose isolation and disguise over identifying with Jesus when it mattered most. It is good that Jesus, the gardener of earthen hearts and souls, is the author and finisher of our rock-solid faith (Heb 12:2). Upon Jesus’ resurrection Peter is greeted (Mt 28:9), comforted (Mt 28:10), restored (Jn 21:15-17) and commissioned (Mt 28:16-20, Jn 21:19b). This was not in isolation, for He was laid out with a whole quarry of rocks, cemented in fellowship and anchored by Jesus Himself, their cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22).
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”
Hosea 10:12
English Standard Version Bible. London: Crossway, 2010.
If God can use a stone-cold fisherman fresh off the boat, can’t He use you and me. An individual of willing faith, when in fellowship with other Jesus-followers, can strengthen the living breathing Kingdom of God. Allow Jesus’ to plow the fallow earth of your heart and sow seeds of life between the rocks. Their roots will penetrate deep into the earth and displace the pebbles with connectivity in Jesus. Rock-solid resolve for tender obedience is a fertile mixture welcoming the rain showers of Jesus’ righteousness. With that sort of nourishment, a harvest of steadfast love is certain to follow in due season (Gal 6:9).
“Remember, God is as Great as He is Good!”
Noah R. Hunt
POIEMA: Created for Truth 