By[26] “ And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, [27] and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. [28] For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. [29] But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” – Mark 4:26-29 (NKJV)
I haven’t been a farmer before, nor do I frequently visit farms. But I remember that while I was a little boy, my father used to have a farm in the backyard of our house where he grew maize. I had the privilege of seeing seeds being sown on the ground turn to become fully grown plants with multiple maize cobs that exceeded way too much of what got planted. It was then I learnt the sowing and reaping principle. I admit that I didn’t learn that principle in scripture first because, at that time, I was a child and didn’t know the Bible like today.
However, in Mark 4:24, Jesus used this same principle to explain how God’s kingdom functions in a slightly different way. Modern farmers use lines and measurements to space their seeds on their farmlands. But the people of old didn’t know this. So they used to spread seeds on their farmlands and allowed them to grow. Obviously, some got trampled underfoot, and some grew and flourished well.
Jesus said that when it comes to God’s kingdom, preaching is like spreading seed on the ground. Some will grow well, and others won’t. That is why servants of God must care less how slow or fast each member under their spiritual care grows in the Lord. It is not your duty, dear man of God. You must spread your impact to everyone God brings to you, but never blame yourself for how the people applied the Word they received from God through you. Don’t do that! Whether you receive feedback from your work or not, keep serving the Lord. He will reward you and take care of His people.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for grace and peace in my life. Help me to spread the net of kingdom influence around people You put in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 273
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