Mk 4:26-29
Mark 4:26 (NLT) 26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.
Only in Marks Gospel
I am taken back by how much time Jesus points our attention to the coming judgement and reward that happens in eternity.
A farmer
Specific word for farmer γεωργός.
The word here is more generic than a farmer that farms for a living.
ἄνθρωπος: We are all sowing, good bad like it or not. Some people sow weeds. Pretend to sow.
The focal point is
- Not the soil
It is the mystery of growth that comes from God alone
Mark 4:28 (NLT) 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.
Curiously, the usual Greek word for ripen is not used. Instead, the fruit is said literally “to deliver itself,” “to hand itself over” (paradidomi)
The context in Joel is one of judgment on the inordinate wickedness of the Gentiles who are about to be judged. They stand in the valley of decision, and the Day of the Lord is near.
Because God does the growing. We do not need to:
- Badger
- Dictate
- Cajole
- Or force people to believe. In fact, there is nothing we can do to force someone to believe.
- Threats, brides, and shame spoil the true faith that comes from the Holy Spirit and a drawing by God to himself.
Regrets from when I have tried to do God’s job
Matthew 7:2 (NLT) 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
You can belong before you believe
Our motto—which we love to put on signs and t-shirts—is “at the Rock you belong before you believe.” We believe that we can love and respect people without having to agree. So, even if you don’t believe in God at all, we would like to have you as part of our family. We trust God to reveal himself to you through the preaching and the way we live our lives.
