Daily Devotions - Kingdom Growth

Mark 4:21-34 (NIV)
A Lamp on a Stand
21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” 24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

The Parable of the Growing Seed
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.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
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.

 

Does knowing the growth of the kingdom is ultimately in God’s hands cause you to rest or work more?

Knowing that kingdom growth is ultimately in God's hands gives me peace, however, we have been commanded to “go and make disciples in all corners of the world”. I think it is a matter of obedience to witness to as many people as possible, when I do people will be affected by my actions. If I am living my life in a spirit-filled way my actions will reflect God's love for someone.

Lord, I pray that your love shines through me in how I live and speak so that people would be drawn to you, Help me Lord to be generous with my time, my talents, and all that you have blessed me with. Father give me the courage to spread your word like a farmer sows seeds and trust you for the harvest. I am reminded through your word that even a little seed of faith can grow and become a beautiful symbol of your faithfulness. Lord, the harvest is yours and I find joy knowing that you have used simple people to spread your love and blessings. You are an awesome God and it is my honor to love and serve you! AMEN