Mark 4:26-29
“He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.””
Mark 4:26-29 NIV
The meaning of this parable is that Jesus is announcing the Kingdom of God and the good news about Himself. His announcement and nature of the Kingdom is like a man who sows seed but he does not know how it grows. The Kingdom of God grows in ways we may not understand. The significance for us today is being aware that we may not understand, but trusting that God’s Kingdom is growing and we should be a part of the process as we spread the good news of Jesus to the world.
Without a seed nothing is going to grow. Every farmer and gardener knows that you can have great soil, great ground, water, and sun and nutrients but if you don't have a seed nothing is going to grow. To grow spiritually, the Word of God must be planted in you. You must have God's Word planted into your life.
The Kingdom of God on earth is progressing toward an end. While we don't fully understand all that goes on, we can be sure that the Kingdom is growing, and when it comes to full maturity, the harvest will come. There is movement and there is mystery, but ultimately, there is harvest. We also need to understand this about the Kingdom. The power of the Kingdom moves despite our lack of complete understanding of all that is happening in this work of God. One thing is certain, however, when all things are ready, the harvest will come. A question for us is whether or not we will be a part of this movement and mystery and grow as we should, to be ready for the harvest?
We routinely wake up, hopefully read our Bible, utter a prayer, and then get busy with the routines of running a home, or rushing out the door to work or school.
We do our best to be Spirit-filled, trying not to lose it with the children or in the traffic. We look for opportunity to share a Word about God, hoping to share the gospel. If we have children, we try to plant the gospel deep into their hearts and yet at the end of the day, if we are honest, we feel pretty much like a failure.
When it comes to the life of the church, we also have our routines. We arrange our Sundays so that we can attend God’s appointed means of grace. We intend to hear, to take in the Word, but all too often, within an hour after the worship service, that worship, along with the spoken Word, seems so far away, incomprehensible if not imperceptible.
In this simple parable we learn a profoundly encouraging truth. The Kingdom of God is unstoppable. Though at times its progress may be invisible, yet the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ will confidently sow the Word of God, patiently waiting for the harvest. This is because the Kingdom of God is, well. Therefore, it is sure and certain.
Though its beginning, and even to some degree its continuance, is inauspicious, its growth is inevitable. God will accomplish His purpose. Both in nature and in grace, God’s purposes will prevail.
Jesus came and faithfully and therefore confidently planted the seed of the Kingdom of God. He knows that the harvest will come. He is confident of this. And, therefore, we should be confident. Like Jesus, we should faithfully and confidently proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God. By doing so, we attest to our confidence in the power of that seed, in the power of the God of that seed. His power to bring forth the fruit He desires and which he has determined. Therefore, the proclamation of the gospel is the pledge of the ultimate manifestation of the Kingdom, it mysteriously, but irresistibly, brings it near.
God’s kingdom is growing and fruitful. For a time after seed is sown, nothing can be seen. Within the ground, the seed sprouts, yet it takes time for the sprout to force its way to the surface. We must trust that the same is true with God’s Word, as through it God builds His kingdom!!!
Father thank You for this day and the amazing seed of grace. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow from the floodgates of heaven over my friend and family. Lord we like to know the how of things, but don't let us get caught up in it. Lord we never want paralasis by analysis. Holy Spirit, where You see fit, please educate us. Lord give Your knowledge and wisdom to know how You do the things You do. Lord want to know whatever will help us be a more effective tool in Your hand. Lord we pray against the illusion of complete control in our hearts. Lord we pray that God would help us to live in the tension of trusting Him and taking action where we can. Lord we pray that we would be used by God to bring the love of You and the message of the gospel to those in our lives and in our paths, who are struggling with feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
Comments