Day 51

Leviticus 9:7–10:20; Mark 4:26–5:20; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 10:6-7

IN MARK’S GOSPEL today, we found that Jesus was not done discussing soil and seeds. In yesterday’s reading, He compared seed to the Word of God and soil to our hearts. Today, He expanded the metaphor to the whole of God’s Kingdom.

“The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground,” He said (Mark 4:26). He then went on to explain the growth of the plant happening both day and night, without the farmer understanding how the growth takes place as he patiently waits for the harvest.

Next, Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed: “It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants” (Mark 4:31-32).

The metaphors Jesus used for this Kingdom that we claim allegiance to are important. In effect, Jesus was telling us that the Kingdom is happening all the time (day and night). It’s a collaboration (seed and soil), and although it begins small, its growth flourishes and gives life as we patiently cultivate and participate (harvest). The Kingdom is everywhere, and the Kingdom is now.

Although we are waiting for the fullness of the harvest, we are to diligently plant seeds, nurture the growth, and harvest the fruit. This is not simply an external process in which we collaborate in the world. It is also something as near as our own heart. We must consider what is being planted inside us, as well as what we are planting in the world.

MEDITATION:

The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.