God looks to the humble who tremble at His word.
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2
A cracked rock can represent one that is broken with repentance over sin and open to the truth.
- The water of the Holy Spirit can seep into the crack with the word of God and prepare the heart for Jesus.
- Out of the renewed heart springs the life of Christ that does not end, represented by an evergreen tree.
A solid rock can represent one who has a selfish, proud, and resistant spirit. This person refuses to recognize God.
“For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are ‘There is no God.'” Psalm 10:3-4
God forgives the poor in Spirit, who receive life everlasting in Jesus Christ.
“a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:9-10
“O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.” Hosea 14:8
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Wow! A remarkable comparison/illustration of our hardened hearts and His great tenderness and mercy toward the humble! Thanks, Neal for using the gifts He gave you to encourage us, turn our eyes and hearts toward Him and to bring Him the glory He so rightly deserves!!
I am grateful to God for His parables in creation. Lord give us eyes to see that you are the creator of all things and hold all things together for your glory. Amen.