The seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how. – Mark 4:27
Jesus often taught in parables. He used truths found in daily living and “set alongside” a spiritual principle. To those listening, there was always a bit of mystery in His stories, and that has not changed. People read the Bible today and still do not understand what it says. However, the mystery of Christ and His kingdom is not an unknown you must accept. The Lord always revealed the meaning of His stories to His disciples, and that has not changed either! “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
The book of Mark has two unique parables not found anywhere else in Scripture. One of them is the story of the Growing Seed. A man scatters seed on the ground, then returning home, goes to sleep. Then, while he rests the seed sprouts. The man did what he could do, plant the seed, and God did what only He can do, cause the seed to sprout. The mystery of work in God’s Kingdom is resolved in that partnership!
Today’s parable is applicable to the conflict and division in the world today. God is calling you to be faithful to do what you can, pray and share the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Like the seed-planting farmer, you may take your rest when you have done your part, depending on God to make the miracles happen. Ask God to assist America’s governing officials in facilitating peace.
Today’s Verse: Mark 4:27
He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 13:11-17
11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
15 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
