Like seeds
by Ruth Olsen
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… this is what the kingdom of God is like (Mark 4:26).
Read Mark 4:26–34
Seeds are a witness to the intelligent design of our amazing creator! They are a fascinating small creation with the needed ‘DNA’ for growth after its kind. Whether scattered or intentionally planted, they need suitable conditions for the change and transformation we describe as ‘growth’. This growth looks very different to the original seed, yet it carries the capacity for a hundredfold multiplication of that seed. Kingdom dynamics and principles are at work!
The two parables in today’s reading give us a glimpse of what this dynamic does and the purpose the seed serves in carrying that dynamic. Seeds themselves are God’s creation, given to us to use. The power of life within the seed then connects with any conditions that promote growth, and the transformation process begins. What happens in that growth environment can determine the harvest to come.
These parables or ‘word pictures’ are seeds that can produce a rich harvest as we ponder them. Sharing the message of Jesus – and the sure hope we have in him – scatters or intentionally plants the seeds (words) that carry God’s kingdom life to us and others. As we ask the Holy Spirit for insight, he can creatively open diversity and depth, bringing God’s word alive to us. It’s an invitation to take adventures with him, to become aware of him at work in us and through us as he communicates to others in their heart language, renewing their thinking and ours.
This week, as we move into readings from Acts 1 and 2, we will explore some of this kingdom dynamic at work. It’s also an invitation to adventure because not one of us can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him, but he reveals it to us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9–13). For his word comes to us also as seed.
Holy Spirit, you open our ears, eyes and hearts to Jesus. You search the deep things of God and reveal them to us. Enable us to recognise you at work in and through us, to work with you and not resist you, for Jesus’ sake.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
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