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26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” 30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. (Mark 4:26-34 NIV Bible)
What kingdom did you live in before you became a member of God's kingdom? It's a fair question because Jesus, as He is starting His ministry, is trying to get all people to understand there is a spiritual realm of which we can be a part if we so seek, but until then, we are limited to live our lives in the natural realm. The key in this passage is that to be a member of God's kingdom requires faith, for without faith, we miss the whole point. I'm going to pause to share some other "kingdoms" out there that require of us a different faith and if we fall for those, we may fall into a realm from which we may not easily get out. I had a church member say that this particular group came by her home and gave her a new Bible. In return they asked her to give her every single bible she had. They also asked her not to have contact with any of her family or friends until she had a chance to attend some needed training in this new realm. Thankfully, I had studied this and I said, "When you get home, please go immediately into the gospel of John, chapter one, verse one and compare it to what our Bible says. Our Bible says, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' Their Bible will say, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.' That'a s big, big difference. Your new "friends" do not hold Jesus as Lord and Savior, nor as a member of the Godhead; He is reduced to being a god, with a little 'g' instead of being God with a capital g. You're being courted by a cult. I would suggest you return them their Bible and stick to the ones we have." Case closed.
In these verses, Jesus uses simple yet profound parables to illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God. He compares it to a seed that grows mysteriously, and to a mustard seed that starts small but becomes significant. These parables reveal essential truths about the kingdom and invite us into deeper reflection and understanding.
Just as the farmer scatters seed and trusts in its growth, we are called to sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in our lives and the lives of others. We may not always see immediate results or understand how God is working, but we trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty.
The mustard seed, though tiny, becomes a tree large enough for birds to find shelter. Similarly, our seemingly small acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion can have significant impacts, providing refuge and comfort to those in need.
Jesus spoke in parables to make complex spiritual truths accessible to all. He invites us to seek understanding and wisdom, both through His teachings and through personal reflection and study. Our task is spelled out here; we must reach out to grow the Kingdom and win the world for Jesus.
PRAYER: Awesome and loving God, thank You for revealing the mysteries of Your kingdom to us through simple yet profound parables. Help us to trust in Your timing and sovereignty as we sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in our lives and communities. May our actions, though small, bear fruit that glorifies You and brings healing and transformation to the world. Grant us wisdom and understanding as we seek to grow in our knowledge of You. In Jesus' strong name, we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in your daily life, trusting in God's power to bring about growth and transformation. Take practical steps to cultivate these virtues in your interactions with others and in your own spiritual journey.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
