June 17, 2012
Proper 6 –
Mark 4:26-34
Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scripture to be
written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark learn and
inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of
eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When there is life there is growth. Even after physical
growth stops, human beings need to keep on growing intellectually and in other
ways. Growth is necessary to experience life at its fullest. Growth is always a
feature of God’s kingdom and specifically of the Word of the kingdom. The
parables in Mark 4, beginning with the parable of the sower, focus on God’s
Word. The text points out that the Word of God Grows.
I. The Word
grows gradually.
A. As the seed
is sown.
1. Both
pastors and lay Christians sow the seed of the Word.
2. The
sowing goes on wherever God’s Word is proclaimed, preached, taught and
shared. Gradual sowing is necessary for
gradual growth.
B. As the
plant develops.
1. We can
prepare the ground and nurture the plant but the seed grows of itself,
mysteriously.
2. We may
sometimes get discouraged because the growth is so gradual, but growth there
will be present. Therefore, we can relax and let the Word work according to its
own schedule.
Transition: While learning to be patient with growth that is
gradual, we must also face up to the fact that.
II. The Word
grows inconspicuously.
A. The Word
is as inconspicuous as a mustard seed in the beginning stages of its growth.
1. The great
and the powerful in Christ’s day gave little notice to the Word growing in
their midst.
2. Those who
wield power and influence in the world today are indifferent for the most part
to the growth of the Word.
B. So
inconspicuous is the Word’s growth that we are often not aware of anything
taking place.
1. The
sinners with whom Christ associated and the disciples whom He called often gave
little evidence of spiritual growth.
2. We cannot
see faith, nor do we always see the various stages of growth. Conversions are
not necessarily spectacular, nor do we always perceive growth in love and
patience in ourselves and in others.
Transition: At the same time, there is evidence of rather
impressive growth.
III. The Word
grows impressively.
A. The Word
that was sown in a little corner of the world has spread to many nations.
1. The Word
has produced a great bush with large branches in which all sorts of people find
refuge and rest.
2. The
worldwide church attest to the growth power of the Word.
B. The Word will
continue to grow until it produces a harvest.
1. We shall
see this harvest on the Last Great Day.
2. Then
there will be a great gathering of ripened grain, of redeemed souls, for the
heavenly garner.
We need never discount the power of God’s Word. The Word of
God grows gradually and inconspicuously, but also impressively.
Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things
Wheat is ready for harvest pray for our farmers
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