June 11
Mark 4:26-29
Though I didn’t say it, the parable about the sower that we read on Tuesday is sometimes a little discouraging to me. It’s like saying even if I sow seeds everywhere only one fourth of the seeds will grow strong. If only one fourth of my garden grew, I would be really upset! Today’s parable re-encourages me. God’s word will sprout when it is supposed to. The growth of God’s kingdom happens by His power, and not by my works. “Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” (vs. 27 NIV) Just as I cannot truly understand how a little seed can grow into a productive plant, I could never fully understand the awesome power of God. “His great works are too marvelous to understand. He performs miracles without number.” (Job 9:10 NLT) It is true that God has called us to spread His word, and share what we have been given. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 NIV) But it is not by our efforts that the kingdom of God grows. It is by God’s amazing power!
Principle: God’s word will sprout, grow, and produce a harvest in due time.
Application:
1. How am I fulfilling Christ’s command to sow the seed of God’s word?
2. Where am I relying on myself more than the inherent power of God’s Word to change lives?
3. How much time do I spend with Christ so that I am sensitive to the time for harvest?
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"The seed sprouts and grows THOUGH HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW." There is mystery in the Kingdom. We can't reduce God to formulas and "3 easy steps." It is why we stand in awe while in his presence. I like to have everything figured out. Thanks for the reminder that I just need to sow and then stand in amazement as God works in ways I'm too small to understand.
ReplyDeleteJust as we aren't to blame when we've sowed the seed and there is no growth, we also can't take credit when God works in someone's heart. Our job is to sow the seed - God does the rest! This is a great reminder to not be discouraged when we don't see results of our sowing but also not to be too proud when we do see results - the victory is God's alone!
ReplyDeleteI feel that I am developing a new appreciation to keep the soil ready, plant Always, care for the seeds and wait for God's timing for the harvest. And like you said Melinda, do not be discouraged if things don't happen in our time frame. God knows best.
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