Word@Work 047 - Mark 4:26-27
Published: Thu, 01/24/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 4:26-27 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. (NIV)
Without sleep, we could not continue to function. But for many in our busy-ness it seems a waste of time. However, all sorts of things happen in our sleep. Our bodies are able to recharge their batteries, the engines slow down to tick over and we have a break from the constant task of thinking. Parents find sleep very useful - not just for their children but themselves! When a toddler is asleep, Mum and Dad can get things done which would be quite impossible otherwise.
Surprisingly, for workaholics (even spiritual ones), there are times when God does not need our help. That is not to say that we should be lazy. However, once we have sown the Word of God, the growth largely depends on the life-power of the seed and the receptivity of the soil. The fact is that God is at work in His Word in people's lives and hearts - and we have not got a clue what is going on. Digging up the seedling periodically is more than likely to be counter-productive. So the true servant of God will be both active and passive (at the right times).
The gospel work requires the faith to trust God to do His work once the seed has been sown. We should have experienced it ourselves. As we look back, we see that God has been at work within us to give us the desire to do what is right and then the ability to change (Phil. 2:13). If God has worked like that in our lives should we not trust Him to do the same in others? I am not advocating gospel apathy or inertia (the seed has to be sown and weeding/feeding must be done), but this is a healthy reminder to consider when our job is done and to let God do His.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am amazed at the way You work. Most of the time, I cannot see how You do it. Help me to trust You to grow Your truth within me as I read Your Word, and help me to trust that You will do the same thing in other people. May I never be so anxious thinking about my part, that I forget the wonderful work that You do even when I am asleep. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Without sleep, we could not continue to function. But for many in our busy-ness it seems a waste of time. However, all sorts of things happen in our sleep. Our bodies are able to recharge their batteries, the engines slow down to tick over and we have a break from the constant task of thinking. Parents find sleep very useful - not just for their children but themselves! When a toddler is asleep, Mum and Dad can get things done which would be quite impossible otherwise.
Surprisingly, for workaholics (even spiritual ones), there are times when God does not need our help. That is not to say that we should be lazy. However, once we have sown the Word of God, the growth largely depends on the life-power of the seed and the receptivity of the soil. The fact is that God is at work in His Word in people's lives and hearts - and we have not got a clue what is going on. Digging up the seedling periodically is more than likely to be counter-productive. So the true servant of God will be both active and passive (at the right times).
The gospel work requires the faith to trust God to do His work once the seed has been sown. We should have experienced it ourselves. As we look back, we see that God has been at work within us to give us the desire to do what is right and then the ability to change (Phil. 2:13). If God has worked like that in our lives should we not trust Him to do the same in others? I am not advocating gospel apathy or inertia (the seed has to be sown and weeding/feeding must be done), but this is a healthy reminder to consider when our job is done and to let God do His.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am amazed at the way You work. Most of the time, I cannot see how You do it. Help me to trust You to grow Your truth within me as I read Your Word, and help me to trust that You will do the same thing in other people. May I never be so anxious thinking about my part, that I forget the wonderful work that You do even when I am asleep. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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