Mark 4:24-32
In these passages Jesus tells two parables: one of the seed which grows into a stalk of wheat, and the other of a tiny mustard seed which grows into a large garden plant, with branches that are big enough to produce shade. Both of these parables describe something very small growing into something very big. And in both cases man has nothing to do with the actual growth of the plant. Again I am struck with God’s reminder to allow Him to provide the increase. I can’t muscle things into existence, and I can’t produce faith or change in someone else (or even myself) without God’s help. God provides the increase. Always, in all cases.
Father God, help me to remember to plant seeds whenever and wherever I am given the opportunity. I know you provide the increase, in your time. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Mark 4:26-32 Jesus was a wonderful story teller, but you had to listen not just with your ears, but with your heart as well. Most of us understand how things grow, first the seed, then soil, water, and once sprouted, sunlight. I volunteer in a classroom of 6-7 year old children. Every year we plant seeds in a see through bag, so they can see the roots that grow first and then the seed sends up its stem. Once ready, we transplant, but they know the roots need to be long and strong before we can do that. Aside from the Bible readings the last two weeks, I have also heard or seen this message all around. At the hardware …
Mark 4: 26-32
I love the parables but they hide as much as they reveal. They invite us to really open our eyes, our ears, our hearts, to a new way of thinking, a new way of understanding God's way. Just like the parables of the seeds(soils) I have to ask myself ,What kind of soil am I. Has my soil condition changed through out my life? Is my life producing the fruit from my seed, for the glory of God. I must confess I'm a mix of soils. Sometimes I hear the Word, but my heart does not meditate on the message. Sometimes I receive the Word with joy, but fail to incorporate it into my life. This often has to d…
20201113 Friday, Daily Devotion - Mark 4:29 (NIV)
29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
A seed sprouts and grows into a leaf, the heads of wheat, and finally the grain ripens. As soon as the grain is ready, it is time to be cut and eaten by someone. The goal of a seed is to grow to be eaten by serving/sacrificing itself as nutrition for someone. The goal of the growth of a seed is to die and serve others. A seed’s calling of God is the same as ours.
Lord, thank you for showing a big picture of my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me…
Mark 4:27b - “and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.”
I try to grow vegetables, fruit and flowers each year with widely varying degrees of success. Even though all the seeds are handled the same way some sprout and grow, some sprout and bolt and some never sprout at all. As in the parable, I do not know how. But when the plants that grow come to full maturity the joy they bring is a living reminder of the kingdom of God. Even looking at the spectacular mushroom in Kay’s picture is a reminder that God places evidence of the kingdom anywhere we care to closely look.
Prayer - God of growth, I pray that…
Mark 4 26-32
In both of these parables a tiny seed becomes a useful plant. The one thing that both needs to survive and grow is water. The seed to me is faith and no matter how small it starts out, it can grow to be what God intended it to be. The one things that it must have is water, the word of God, to flourish and grow.
Dear Lord my faith is very small compared to what is can be and what you intended. Please help me to drink in the water of your word and to grow in faith. Amen.