“Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up.” Matthew 13:5. Jesus talked about seed and soil in a parable recorded in Matthew 13. It’s about what happens when the seed of the gospel is sown on various kinds of ground. He said that seeds that land on stones and not much soil grows quickly but then dies in the sun. He was speaking of one who has heard and received the gospel, but in whose life the message doesn’t take root. When trouble comes, this person – who is not a genuine believer – falls away. How grateful we can be for Jesus’ words that conclude this parable: “He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit” (v. 23). This is a good reminder of both the privilege and the responsibility that accompanies our salvation. Praise God for the seed of the gospel and the soil of spiritual growth. A heart open to God is soil in which the seed of His Word can flourish.