April 8 - God's Got It

April 8 - God's Got It - Mark 4:21-34

These three parables, plus the one from yesterday's lesson are about it for Mark's recall of the teachings. But, these are three powerful stories!

The hearer (Mark 4:23) is to not only hear, but act upon what is being spoken. If you have a lamp, don't hide the light ... share it. (Mark 4:21-23). Whatever you choose to share with the world - that, plus much more will be shared with you! It's not enough to just uncover and allow the light to burn. If we see Jesus as the light, consider that the more you share Him with others, the brighter He will burn and the more of Him you will see.

The next parable is only found in Mark, not in either Matthew or Luke. The parable illustrates the Kingdom of God. We are the man in this story ... we spread the Word of God. But, that seed will germinate, no matter what we do. There is a mystery to how the Word spreads and grows, God is the only one in control of it ... we were called simply to plant the seed. God is responsible for how the seed matures and grows, not us. This teaching probably doesn't need a lot of explanation, but I will say that it is awfully difficult for us as Christians to avoid managing God's Kingdom. Jesus tells us here that we don't need to ... God's got it. (Mark 4:26-29)

The final parable today is the story of the mustard seed. The mustard seed is the tiniest of the seeds that are sown in the garden. There are approximately 750 seeds to a gram (28 grams in an ounce). Think about that! The thing is tiny. Yet, the mustard shrub grew to be the largest plant in the garden with its branches so large that birds could perch in its shade.

This is another illustration of the Kingdom of God. We don't need to do much, but sow a seed. And that seed can be the tiniest of all seeds in the garden. God causes it to grow and because He created it to be what it is, it becomes a huge shrub. We are called to sow the seed. God will bring growth.

Jesus spoke in parables so that some could understand and come to a fuller knowledge of the truth of the Lord. Others would be confused and wouldn't search any further tto understand the things of God. Then there were those that understood, but didn't pay attention to what they heard. And finally, there were those that Jesus spent time with and explained everything. (Mark 4:30-34)

I don't care what it takes ... I want to be beside Jesus as He teaches and as He explains His teachings. Even if I fully understand, I want it to come from Him.