Word@Work 049 - Mark 4:30-32
Published: Mon, 01/28/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." (NIV)
Jesus selected familiar scenes to describe eternal truth. It should not surprise us that God's creation will remind the observant of their Creator. It is a good starting point for many gospel conversations.
In this story, Jesus chooses to highlight the mustard seed (very small and apparently insignificant), but having the potential to grow massively. It can even provide shelter for the same birds that would have cheerfully eaten the seed (Mark 4:4 describes birds pecking seed from the hard path). Those birds had no idea what they were eating, or how short term was their view of the seed. What a difference when the seed was allowed to grow where it was planted!
The Word of God has a quite disproportionate effect when 'planted' in a receptive heart. It unfolds the massive Kingdom of God as a place of safety ... even for those who, like birds eating the seed, would previously have used it for short term gain. I think of unbelievers seeking churches for their weddings and funerals, or taking the minister's time to sign passport applications or school references. Little do they know the huge change that would come if they received the gospel instead of using the church. But you, reading this email, probably do know. That is why you have been given the privilege of holding the seed in your hands! So plant the seed, and let it grow, and grow and grow.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for making it possible for people to shelter in Your Kingdom, as Your Word grows and flourishes. Help me to see that those who, by nature, would use and abuse your truth, are the very people in whom Your truth is designed to take root and transform. Give me the wisdom to announce your Kingdom, and to be bold in doing so, as Jesus was. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus selected familiar scenes to describe eternal truth. It should not surprise us that God's creation will remind the observant of their Creator. It is a good starting point for many gospel conversations.
In this story, Jesus chooses to highlight the mustard seed (very small and apparently insignificant), but having the potential to grow massively. It can even provide shelter for the same birds that would have cheerfully eaten the seed (Mark 4:4 describes birds pecking seed from the hard path). Those birds had no idea what they were eating, or how short term was their view of the seed. What a difference when the seed was allowed to grow where it was planted!
The Word of God has a quite disproportionate effect when 'planted' in a receptive heart. It unfolds the massive Kingdom of God as a place of safety ... even for those who, like birds eating the seed, would previously have used it for short term gain. I think of unbelievers seeking churches for their weddings and funerals, or taking the minister's time to sign passport applications or school references. Little do they know the huge change that would come if they received the gospel instead of using the church. But you, reading this email, probably do know. That is why you have been given the privilege of holding the seed in your hands! So plant the seed, and let it grow, and grow and grow.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for making it possible for people to shelter in Your Kingdom, as Your Word grows and flourishes. Help me to see that those who, by nature, would use and abuse your truth, are the very people in whom Your truth is designed to take root and transform. Give me the wisdom to announce your Kingdom, and to be bold in doing so, as Jesus was. For His Name's sake. 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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