Friday, March 8, 2024
Warmer weather, bird song in the morning, and the hum of a lawn mower are all signs of spring in northwest Ohio. Personally, I look forward to my garden.
Growing things is a sign that all is well in my world. Jesus also used the power of growing things in his teachings.
Mark 4:26-29
26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
To be a good gardener, I must prepare the soil, keep weeds in check, and give the seed what it needs to grow. Aside from that, I have no control over whether the seed will grow. I must trust that the inherent qualities of the seed will produce a plant. If I dig up the seed to check on its progress, the plant will die. But left to itself, one tiny seed can produce hundreds of seeds.
The analogy fits well with the Kingdom of God. When the seed of God’s word enters into a heart, how it works is a mystery. Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God grows slowly and steadily, often through adversity and trials. When the time is right, he will return to reap the harvest.
In the decades following Jesus’ ministry, Christians experienced great persecution. Through extreme persecution, Christianity went from a small regional sect to a worldwide movement.
Today, Christians are still being persecuted worldwide. The spread of Christianity seems to be directly linked to persecution. This fact seems counterintuitive, but it is true. However, the reverse also seems to be true—the more comfortable a country is for Christians, the more their lives are assimilated into the culture and their influence is negligible.
Americans have always enjoyed religious freedom; however, this will not last forever. Someday, we will face persecution, and the reality of our faith will become apparent.
When Jesus returns to reap his harvest, will you be ready?
Questions:
If you were asked to reject your faith and live or maintain your faith and die, what would you do? Are you willing to suffer in any form for Christ?
Next Steps:
Read Comfort Jessy’s story and reflect on this young woman’s faith and how she suffered for Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to suffer. I don’t like it when I am uncomfortable, but you have given all for me. I pray that when I am asked to stand up for my faith, I stand strong. I pray that no matter what, I am found ready when you return for your faithful ones. I pray I can boldly proclaim my hope in you so others may find the hope that only you can provide. Amen.
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.