June 12
Mark 4:30-34
We have all heard the phrase, “Good things come in small packages.” The mustard seed is not the smallest seed in the world, but it was the smallest seed that people in Israel put in their gardens. It was also a symbol for anything tiny. Jesus uses it in this parable, and again later (in Matthew) to talk about faith. Here, Jesus is comparing the mustard seed to the kingdom of God. Though it may have started out quite humbly (12 disciples) it continued to grow and grow. “Nevertheless more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” (Acts 5:14 NIV) In Matthew and Luke, this parable is followed by the parable of the yeast. “He told them still another parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until in worked all through the dough.’” (Matthew 13:33 NIV) A little bit can spread a long way! The point is Jesus knows the power of a humble beginning (He was born in a stable!). Sure, it would be great if you were Billy Graham and could speak to thousands of people at a time, but that is not necessary. Every little bit you do, every tiny seed you sow can be used in big and miraculous ways!
Principle: Small, hidden blessings can have tremendous growth and bless many when God’s power is within them.
Application:
1. What “small thing” is Jesus entrusting to my care now?
2. How available am I for God’s use in the growth of His kingdom?
3. Will I begin now to ask God daily to explain His Word to me?
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God's kingdom in America is shrinking rather than exploding with the kind of growth we see in this parable. The number of people professing faith in Christ has declined by 11% since 1990, while the number of people claiming no faith of any kind has more than doubled. Something is deeply wrong. God show me how to help your kingdom grow. Amen.
ReplyDeleteWhat an eye opening and very sad statistic Bro. John. I will also pray that God will show me what I can do.
ReplyDeleteRegarding question #3
I can't believe how many days have gone by in my life where I have Not asked God to explain His Word to me. In fact, I'm not sure that I have ever really thought about it like that. Since I began BSF a few months ago and now with this study, I am really beginning to appreciate and enjoy that Daily time with God. I will make question #3 a daily request. Now I need to pray that The Holy spirit will remind me to do that!! Thanks for that question
verses 33&34 stood out to me. Jesus taught people according to their level of understanding. Because I've been in church all my life I don't always consider that not everyone else has. My vocabulary is a little different from the world. They don't understand what I'm saying. And the Bible says that because they don't have the Spirit in them, they aren't going to. I have to speak in such a way that they do understand. Not use "churchy" words. Ask for discernment for the right words.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this passage I thought about the many times I said, I should not do something or that someone else that is more important or maybe better than me should do it. I am reminded no matter how small I may feel when I am placed in God's fertile soil I will grow and produce beyond my imagination. when I leave it up to God and quite trying to control everything He can and does great things. I need to remember this all the time.
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