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So is the
kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the
ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mk4:26-28 As Christians we have a hope of growing in the Lord, of being obedient and maturing as life continues to move on. Yet Jesus in this parable is talking about something different. He is telling us that the kingdom of God begins as a seed and grows into a plant, first the blade, then the ear, then the corn in the ear and we do not know how. St. Paul in Galatians five tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. So there is a parallel between the kingdom of God and the Spirit. Fruit is the result of a tree or a plant growing. The seed has the potential to produce the fruit so long as it is put in good ground, given water, and has sunshine. So not only must we grow but we must allow the Spirit or the kingdom to grow as well. Have you meditated on the idea that your initial introduction into the Spirit life is only a seed that must grow? Have you thought about the different ways to nourish the kingdom of God and what you should do to advance the kingdom? Have you thought about ways you can choke the kingdom that it bears no fruit? “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die , it bringeth forth much fruit.”(Jn12:24) Jesus of course is talking about his own death, that through the cross, many would be saved. Yet for us, unless we too die, die to our selfishness and autonomy, we will not bear fruit either. The kingdom of God grows as long as we don't cut off the growth process. We must nourish the kingdom by feeding it the word of God. Faith which is a fruit of the Spirit comes by hearing the word. Just like yeast in dough, the kingdom must spread in us for the bread to rise. Next we must not allow persecution and trials to deter us from pursuing the kingdom. Jesus tells us that in the world there shall be tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.(Jn16:33) Overcome the world. Forsake it for the kingdom of God. The cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things will choke the word. If we get free, if we allow the Spirit to have its way, there will be Spiritual growth, the growth of the Spirit in us. That growth is more important than self realization. That growth is Christ realization. That growth is the anointing which destroys the yoke and takes the burden off your shoulders.(Is10:27) Let go and let God. Become free inside: free from pride, ego, self interest, and the flesh. If you do, the Spirit and the kingdom will grow and you will bear fruit: love, joy, and peace which will encourage others to forsake the world for God too. amen |