In Mark chapter 4, one of the parables Jesus teaches is the parable of the growing seed (Mark 4:26-29).

After admonishing his disciples to consider carefully what they hear and not to put the lamp of the word under a bowl, Jesus teaches them how it is that the seed (the word) does its work.

"Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. (Mark 4:27)

Jesus sowed the word onto every kind of soil, knowing that it had the power to return its own yield in the good soil that it found. And, as it grows, it reaches ever closer to the source of light which enables it to bear fruit. "All by itself the soil produces grain-- first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:28-29)

As we continue in our growth, we need also to trust in the power of God's word to produce its own return. We should sow indiscriminately, as Jesus did, even on soil that we feel may never receive it.

My encouragement this week is for us to remember that we are not responsible for how much fruit others may or may not bear, only God can create growth in the life of a sinner. But we are responsible for sharing the word. Even to a world that seems hard and filled with rocks and thorns. Then we can watch and rejoice as the seed sprouts and grows, even if we do not know how.

-Nate