Mark 4:26-34 (NRSV)
Read Mark 4:26-34 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, Verse 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. Verse 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. Verse 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come."
Verse 30He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? Verse 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; Verse 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Verse 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; Verse 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
Devotion
I am no gardener—at best I could be called the gardener’s assistant—more like the character in this parable who finds the “seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how!”
But I love this parable—which occurs only in Mark’s Gospel—because it emphasizes the mystery of God’s grace—how God’s work is beyond our perception. But just because we don’t know how it works, it still accomplishes what God intends. It calls to mind the words from Isaiah,
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (55:11)
Being confident in the fruitfulness of God’s Word, means we can move forward “scattering seed.” Sharing from our abilities and treasure, we are able each day to plant and look forward to what God will do.
Prayer
Heavenly Gardener, as we grow where you have planted us, help us bear fruit and bring your grace to a world in need. Amen.
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