Mark 4:26-29
Farmers cannot grow large crops by themselves. They can plow the ground. They can water and fertilize the soil. They can even plant the seeds. But unless the sun shines, diseases stay at bay and the seeds germinate below the ground there is nothing more that the farmer can do.
Jesus uses these humble realities to remind us who is in control of his Kingdom. It is our responsibility to plant and water, but God makes his Kingdom grow. We plant the seeds of the Gospel. We water it with his Word. We even bring nutrients to the soil through God’s grace in our hearts – such as the love, peace and joy we find through faith in Christ’s cross and his resurrection. But God is the One who germinates the seeds of faith. He is the One who sustains the sunlight for spiritual photosynthesis. He is the One who brings the cool rains of grace to ensure that his plants will withstand the hot summer days. In fact, God is the one who oversees the plant’s entire development, from the first sprout of Spring to the harvest grain of Summer.
According to Jesus, our job is to share Christ’s cross and resurrection. But faith begins and ends with God’s will. God sparks repentance and faith through the Spirit’s penetration of the heart. He then cares for the soul’s development through his Church and by his Word, and when he is ready, he brings a soul home to live with him forever.
The Lord does this with his entire Kingdom. He quietly goes about growing his Kingdom. He patiently and methodically tends to it until it is ready for the final harvest, and he does all this despite the opposition of the devil and the snares of this world.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Matthew?
Clearly have Matthew on the brain these days. Fixed now. Thanks for keeping me honest, Milton.
Brad
You’re welcome. And I did want you to know that I am paying attention. Peace.
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