Listen

Then Jesus said, “This is what God’s kingdom is like. It’s as though someone scatters seed on the ground, then sleeps and wakes night and day. The seed sprouts and grows, but the farmer doesn’t know how. The earth produces crops all by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full head of grain. Whenever the crop is ready, the farmer goes out to cut the grain because it’s harvesttime.”

Mark 4:26-29

Think

In this passage we read that all the farmer has to do is scatter the seed on the ground. The real focus is the interaction between the seed and the soil. It has little to do with what the farmer does! Is it just me or does that sound like crazy talk!?

I would expect Jesus to say something like, “And the farmer worked hard day and night, putting forth valiant effort to grow this crop to the best of his ability!” At least then, it would seem like the farmer had some control over his livelihood.

It can be a scary feeling to have no control over what goes on in our lives…

But that’s what faith is about. Each day, God is breaking into our lives, changing us. Often times, we don’t even realize it’s happening. And we can’t do a lot to control it.

But there is something comforting in the thought that God takes interest in us and, like the soil does for the seed, is nurturing us into full-grown disciples.

Chris Wondree

Pray

Nurturing God, continue to nourish and grow me into the type of person that loves you and loves others. Help me to trust in your care. Let me take time each day to look for ways to share your love and care with others around me. Amen.

Go

Go forth into the world in peace, knowing that the God who made you continues to love, keep, nurture, and grow you. Amen.