Scripture
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.”
Reflection
Meyer’s NT Commentary states it in better words than I can say here:
The teaching of the parable is: Just as a man, after performing the sowing, leaves the germination and growth, etc., without further intervention, to the earth’s own power, but at the time of ripening reaps the harvest, so the Messiah leaves the ethical results and the new developments of life, which His word is fitted to produce in the minds of men, to the moral self-activity of the human heart, through which these results are worked out in accordance with their destination
In a world where hard work, determination and grit are seen as the primary factors in your success, this parable is completely contrary to the workings of God in hearts of man. Who knows what the seed will do, how long it will take, if it’ll ever begin to germinate? Those things are beneath the ground and we do not see the mystery of its workings. To many (particularly the control oriented person) this is maddening. To me, however, I find this parable freeing. It frees me from the pressure of success. It frees me from the pressure of results. The condition of each man’s heart is different and the workings of God in each heart is unique. Its a reminder to me to continue to marvel at his awesome mysteries (Josh Xiong- Worship Director).
Thoughts for the day
- Does this message bring a sense of relief or pressure to you, and why?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Look around you right now at the people who are sitting near you or standing and pray for them.
