FEBRUARY 13 READING…MARK 4
Mark 4 contains four parables Jesus taught His followers to help them understand the way the kingdom of God works. These parables are common stories that reveal a much deeper meaning. They can be called illustrations from the Lord to give understanding. The first parable shares how the Gospel is spread to the world. The Holy Spirit casts the seed, which represent the Word of God. Depending on the soil it lands on, we have different results. Notice the sower is always the same, the Holy Spirit...the seed is the same, the Word of God…the only thing that varies is the soil, the hearts of those who receive the seed. Jesus then illustrates the absurdity of lighting a lamp and placing it under a bushel, thus hiding its light. Our faith is supposed to shine forth in a dark world…Jesus did not save us to be secret Christians. Then Jesus talked about seed in the next two parables. The first He speaks of the natural progress of seeds growth after being placed in the ground. We are called to grow in the Lord in like manner. As we grow properly our little seed will blossom beyond our expectation…producing much more than what it originally looked like. Finally, Mark shows us that Jesus who came to be a servant, is also Lord of creation. For even the wind and the waves obey His voice. If we want to live peaceful lives we too need to hear and heed the voice of the Lord of the universe.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…MARK 5