Mark 4:26-29 – God’s unseen operation

In these verses, Jesus told the parable of the seed. The story described a farmer who went out to sow seed. We all know that sowing is hard work. But this was the farmer’s role and he had to do it diligently. After sowing the seed, the farmer didn’t have to worry if the seed would grow. He rested confidently in the forces of nature that God had put in place to ensure its growth. There was no necessity for him to sit up whole night wondering if the seed would germinate. He also need not rise up early and go and dig out the seed to see if it had germinated. The growth process will definitely take place. However, the farmer must recognize that as the seed germinates and a plant begins to grow, the stages of growth will become observable. He will be able to see the process, “…first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.” And as the grain ripens He must then go into action. He is expected to harvest the ripen grains.   

This parable of the seed is about the secret of the Kingdom of God. When sown, the seed will surely and definitely grow into a full grown fruitful plant because Divine forces will be at work actively. And though what takes place to bring about the growth in the seed may not be visible to the naked eyes, the growth will take place. The seed of course is the Kingdom of God. How it germinates, progresses and grows may not be seen and understood by the sower. It is not his to worry. He is called to sow. Nonetheless, surely and actively the Kingdom will grow into a full bloom fruitful plant.

The Lord has given us a very encouraging parable. He tells us how the reign of God increases and grows in a life wherever the seed of the Kingdom is planted. He promised that there will be a time when the seed will show fruit that is ready for the harvest. In talking about the harvest, He has assured us that the Kingdom planted will reach a fruit bearing stage.

His point is this: There are forces faithfully at work after a seed of the Kingdom is sown into the life of a person. We don’t have to fret and be concerned whether the seed will grow. It will. All He expects of us is to faithfully do our part, and then rest confidently that He will do His part. But, we must be watchful for the predictable process of growth. It may take time and patience, and we must be watchful as we give time for the seed to germinate and grow, but be ready for the harvest.

This is an encouragement to evangelize. Our role is to sow the seed of the Gospel. After sowing we rest confidently in God that the forces of faith He had put in place will take over and work in the person whom the seed is sown. We don’t have to fret but to just trust that in God’s time, the result will be seen. Meanwhile we need to be patiently watching with prayers, to take note of the progress in the stages of growth. At the right time we will be called upon to reap the harvest. Go, therefore and sow the seed that is imperishable!