Time and Trust

Mark 4: 26-34

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.

Anyone who has dealt with gardening or even just "house plants" knows that seeds sprout mysteriously after being watered and given time. Once the seeds have sprouted, the plants move quickly from single flimsy stalks, to rugged, sturdy plants.  If you've evver dealt with zucchini, you know how overnight, budding squash can gain inches, and, unless carefully watched, grow too big and seedy. 

Evidently, the mustard seed, the tiniest of seeds can grow tall and overtake precious garden space. Jesus wisely chose this plant as an example of how God's grace works in us: over time, and with our trust.  When we are confounded by dilemmas or overrun with demands, we need to step back, make our needs known to God, and trust that in time, he will resolve our issues. Yes, we do the best we can, but humbly asking God for help in his own good time, releases us from the paralysis that develops when we think and act as if all depends on us. Let us learn from the mustard plant, that more goes on behind the scenes than we can ever do on our own.

Bro. Rene