“He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.”

Mark 4:26-28

The parables (Growing Seed & and the Mustard Seed) in today’s reading must have encouraged Mark’s original audience in their suffering and can encourage us too. It’s easy to despair when we see church numbers dwindling and when we find it tough being Christians in an unsympathetic world. These parables encourage us that, no matter how unpromising things may appear, nothing can stop the miraculous growth of the kingdom. The mustard seed, despite its tiny beginnings, could grow up to become a tall tree. So, let’s not lose hope, for nothing can stop the progress of God’s kingdom.

CLOSING PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, that you are always with me and at work for me—in the hard times as well as the good times and that you use all things for my good and for your glory. Help me to persevere.

(Edited from Encounter with God)