THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED

The process of growth is a mystery; one that even scientists, try as they may cannot explicitly explain; only God can. “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.“ (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

In the parable of the growing seed, as outlined in Mark 4:26-29, the theory established is of the same origin. A man knows not how the process happens. He can only do his part, and leave the rest to God. I wonder if the farmer grumbles or questions within. I wonder how he has the heart to release and move on after planting. I wonder if he keeps going to check the extent of growth or if he goes to measure how deep or how soon there might be some evidence of growth. Never have I ever met one who did the mentioned yet ironically, we who have already tasted the work of the Lord keep bouncing between believing, rechecking, redirecting, and reprogramming what God had already set in motion the moment we believed and obeyed. There are many ways God is always moving in the unknown and it calls for trust, surrender, patience, and diligence.

The secret of growth is in the seed, not in the soil/weather or in cultivating- the seed works according to its nature.

Robertson

Naturally, it is easy to cut down the success rate of a small seed, eg mustard yet the results over a period of time are undeniable. Zechariah 4:10 quotes “Do not despise the days of small beginnings.”

While the focus of the growing seed brings encouragement to us in the harsh seasons and we are tempted to look to ourselves, I implore you to embrace a perspective that fulfills the great assignment of God; The Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) This parable which is only unique to Mark is a kingdom parable that invites us to focus on the kingdom business.

When was the last time you shared about Jesus Christ? When was the last time you talked about Him to people outside your church circle? 

Mission and Evangelism is sadly a sore topic amongst believers despite the fact that it should take priority and should be the focus of all core engagements! It has been left to ministers and pastors. “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37)

PLANT THE SEED

The proclamation of God’s word is what brings growth to the Kingdom, that’s how we plant the seed and prepare for the harvest and this truth must be scattered. It is an honor to partner with God in this endeavor even if it is the only thing we get to do. We must faithfully sow the seed and water it with prayer.

During my discipleship classes, evangelism was one of the lessons that scared me, and as we neared the end where we would do practicals, a part of me wanted to opt out. I wondered how I would go knocking at a stranger’s door. I thought about me, the shy girl who never had much to say. How would they receive me? Would they welcome me? Would they chase me? Would I be an effective witness? All these fears were silenced as I understood that the receptiveness of people wasn’t dependent on me or how I spoke to them but it was in the power of the Holy Spirit. My teacher beautifully said: Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative of sharing the gospel and leaving the results to God. This set me free. As I went, I recited this over and over and I was greeted with some open doors and also had the door shut to my face, and yet still the seed was planted. I had made myself available and God was bound to work.

(1 Corinthians 3:6-8) outlines the description of the mysterious work of the message and how the apostles partnered in their unique ways; I planted, Apollos watered… This clearly depicts the roles that we play when sent and though different, we will always be united by the purposes of the Kingdom. Like a farmer who sleeps, leaves it, and waits for the growth though not knowing how we ought to do the same; plant the seed and let go.

GOD GIVES THE INCREASE

.………God gave the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6)

We like to be applauded for being responsible for successful outcomes and to seek credit is a curse that is still being lifted off us moment by moment as we walk with God. When we make ourselves available, we ought to immediately remove ourselves from the equation so God’s power can be seen.

The growth is God’s and we are only allowed glimpses of manifestation over time  “All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head” (Mark 4:28). The kingdom is here, it is at hand and yet it does not sprout like weeds overnight instead he kingdom will grow almost inconspicuously in the midst of the world’s kingdoms. (Jesus Film)

When laborers unite, when planting the seed is viewed as every man’s goal as we keep watering through prayer, there will be a bountiful harvest

The Sequence: Sowing. Watering, Waiting, Reaping

Yet in the waiting season, it doesn’t mean inactivity, I am pretty sure the farmer was caring for the seed by looking out for weeds that could choke, plowing, weeding, and adding fertilization. He could not control the growth but he actively played the part in ensuring the environment of growth was kept. The same goes for us, we must keep sharing, and extending acts of kindness, and we must keep rectifying and putting aside false doctrines rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) May we couple our will, intent, and God’s grace as we see the spirit of God and allow Him to change the heart of people as He wills. The four soils (representing hearts) as seen in the parable of the sower are going to be gauged and attracted to our sowing efforts, so we must keep sowing.

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” (James 5:7)

May we, with all devotedness, respond to Jesus’ Great Commission.