Instruction
Scripture: Mark 4:26-34
In this chapter Jesus used parables to reveal truths about
the kingdom of God. The parables in this reading have the theme of growth. This
growth is something we do not control which shows the kingdom’s power and
amazing size. Jesus is teaching us that God’s kingdom work has broken into our
lives and that he is including us and all kinds of people in it.
Teaching
People are often attracted to big dramatic events. Jesus,
however, spoke of the kingdom of God in the most mundane terms of seeds and
plant growth. Plant growth is something that evades the eye. We do not see the
grass getting taller, only that it has gotten taller. As God does his work
growing the kingdom there will be times that we will wonder if it is growing,
and other times that we will be awed by how big and inclusive it is.
The image of birds in the garden is telling. People often
put items like scarecrows, rubber snakes, and flashing pie pans in their
gardens to keep the birds away because of the damage they do. Here Jesus
welcomes the birds, even as he welcomes sinners, into the shade of the kingdom
to find their homes in him.
Life
Too often we see church as a place for holy people to go and
worship. The kingdom of God expressed in the church is intended to draw people
in from all walks of life. Our presence there is a gift of God’s grace, too. It
is only by Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins that we become part of God’s kingdom.
Prayer
This prayer blends the
themes of Confession and Petition.
O Lord God, as I live this life I don’t often think about
your kingdom and its growth. I get wrapped up in my doing and the urgency of
what happens to me. Please forgive me! Please forgive me for the many times
that I’ve had opportunity to scatter the seed of the Gospel and didn’t. And
please forgive me for the times that I did not welcome people into your
kingdom, but thought them a nuisance or considered them as someone who doesn’t
need the peaceful place you prepare for all people.
Grant me and all your people courage to live as citizens of
your kingdom in the kingdom of this world. Help us to spread the word that
grows into a harvest of believers. Help us to invite others into the shelter
your kingdom provides for sinners. Fix our thoughts and prayers on your kingdom
and its growth, and help our lives to reflect the values of your kingdom,
particularly the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Amen.
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