The Growing Seed

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. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has  come."  (Mark  4:26-29)

This parable, that of the Growing Seed, is only found in this book (Mark).  It is one which I have not paid much attention to in the past, but when reading some of the parables this morning, it caught my eye.

If we analyze the general meaning of this story, we might find that the Word of God must be trusted.  We need to rely heavily on the fact that if we let the Word of God (the seed) grow within us, come 'harvest time', we will be placed in the correct bin.  And, in believing the Word of God and living a life worthy of our trust in Him, others will be likewise affected.

I found it interesting that Jesus says that "all by itself" the soil accomplishes its mission in the transformation of the seed into ripe grain.  Prior to that point where the soil starts its actions, the seed had not yet been planted.  In fact, when the man started the process, he didn't dig holes or small trenches into which he planted, and then covered, the seed, he simply 'scattered' it on the ground.  At that point, all by itself, the soil combined with the seed and started the growing process.  In comparison to the Word of God today, a person spreading that word, does not have to 'pound' it into people, all he has to do is throw it out there.  People who are anxious to learn, eager to do what is right, and determined to find a way to heaven, will take that word and start making it grow.  Automatically, or 'all by itself', that word will be transformed into better hearts, thoughts and love, and subsequently actions which will result in a final product at harvest time.

We don't have to work hard at making God's Word grow, all we have to do is 'let it' do so.  Simple actions, spurred on by pure and loving thoughts, will advance God's Kingdom.  As our hearts, minds and attitudes are changed because of our knowledge of the truth we gain through hearing the Word, our world around us will automatically change.  Not everyone has to stand at the pulpit or on a stage and proclaim the wonders of God.  We can do the same thing by simply allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in changing our lives, a little at a time.  Then, automatically, people around us will start 'hearing' the Word as well.

Day and night, whether you are awake or asleep, as long as you have scattered His seed in some manner reflective of your new life and love for Jesus, other plants will grow, become mature and eventually be harvested for heaven. 

Today, as you just 'go about your business', plant some seeds in someone else, simply by your actions or kind words, and then watch how, all by itself, the Kingdom of God around you will grow.