Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Mark 4:26-29 – Growing Seed – Growing As Disciples

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. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”   Mark 4:26-29 (NIV)

Growing

Let’s talk about growth. That sounds good to me. You want to grow, don’t you? Yes Lord, I certainly don’t want to remain just as I am. Do you know that you can’t cause yourself or anyone else to grow? I think I have been a little confused about that. Let’s clear that up. I’d like that. I alone am the one that causes growth. Your desire to grow is nothing compared to my desire to see you grow. How do you want me to grow? How do you think? I think you want me to grow to know you, love you and serve you more each day. Is that what you want? Yes, it is. That’s good. How else do you want to grow? I want to grow to bear fruit for you. I want you to be able to use me to reap a rich harvest for you. Those are also good desires that we agree on. I have a question. What’s that? If I can’t cause myself to grow, does that mean I can sit back and just let it happen? What do you think? I’m sure that’s not the case. You are right.

Have you noticed that there are two conditions for growth to occur mentioned here in my word? I think I missed them. To tell you the truth, I can’t ever remember even seeing this parable before. Look closely, what do you see? I see that seeds must be scattered for growth to occur. Yes, that’s one. What else? Where must they be scattered? They must be scattered on the ground. You got it. Do you know what the seed and grounds stand for? Yes, the seed is your word and the ground is my heart. So what part of growth is yours? I need to tend to my heart to make sure that it is receptive to your word. That’s right. I also need to let your word be scattered in my heart. When those two conditions are met, what will happen? I will grow in my relationship with you and your ability to use me. Yes, you will.

Now since I know that you are impatient, we need to discuss a few more points. Like what? Let me ask you a couple questions. Go ahead. Will your growth as my follower happen immediately? Do you mean like almost overnight? You have the idea. I’m guessing that the answer is no. Good guess. You may not even notice your own growth, but others will that’s for sure. Your growth will be constant, gradual and unstoppable as you continue to love, follow and serve me. So, don’t get discouraged or loose heart. I’m doing a work in you, day by day, until the day we see each other in heaven. Do you believe me? Will you trust me on this? Yes Lord, I will.

One final but very important point. What’s that? I want you to be out in the world casting the seed of my word into the soil of other people’s hearts. You do? Yes, of course I do. You want to be a part of reaping a rich harvest for me, don’t you? Yes Lord, I do. When can we start? Right now, today. How does that sound to you? I’m so glad to be growing, scattering seed and harvesting all for your glory. Here I am Lord, use me! I will.

Lord, thank you for using people to plant seeds of faith in me. Without them I wouldn’t have heard the good news of the gospel. Thank you for making seeds of faith to grow in me. Use me now to help plant seeds of faith in others. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Parables – Mark 4-26-29 – Growing Seed – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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