Picking Up Rocks for the Next Generation
“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom.” Matthew 13:38 (NIV)
There was once an old farmer who spent his life working hard in rocky fields with his grandson by his side. Summer after summer, the boy would load rocks onto a flatbed trailer pulled by an old mule. No matter how much work they did, that one field never produced a harvest. Then the farmer passed away, and decades later, the grandson returned. To his astonishment, the once barren field was now overflowing with tall stalks of corn. He picked an ear and laid it on his grandfather’s grave, saying, “Granddad, you never saw this, but your generation picked up rocks so that mine could eat corn.”
This story is a picture of how God works across generations. One generation clears the stones, fights the battles, and carries the weight so the next can reap a harvest. Spiritually speaking, many of us are standing on the sacrifices of those who came before—parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, soldiers, and saints who prayed, worked, and endured hardship so that we could live in freedom and faith today. Their labor should not be taken for granted.
Jesus said the field is the world. He calls each of us to keep working in the rocky soil so that future generations can enjoy the fruit of the gospel. You may not see the full results of your faithfulness, your prayers, your sacrifices, or your service. But someone coming after you will. Just as the farmer never saw the corn but prepared the way for it, you may be preparing a harvest for those who will follow.
Jesus Himself lived this way. Though He owned all the silver and gold, He carried no money—He carried people. He invested in His disciples, most of whom were young, because He knew the kingdom would advance through their lives.
God still calls young people to rise up in boldness, and He still calls older generations to keep picking up rocks so the next can eat corn.
Don’t despise the hard work God has placed in front of you. Your labor is not wasted. Every rock you lift today makes the ground more fruitful for tomorrow.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for those who came before me and cleared the way so I could walk in freedom and faith. Help me to be faithful in my generation, willing to do the hard work that prepares the ground for others. Give me strength to keep picking up rocks, knowing that You will bring a harvest in Your time. Amen.
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