A Growing Issue!

"I don't understand how it works, but I've seen it." How much of life do we see fitting into such a category? We accept the moving from one season to another and the elements associated with each, but can we explain it all? We know it happens and has something to do with the orbit and tilt of the earth in relation to the moon and sun, but even acknowledging God having set it all in motion can we fully describe the process? Then we plant seeds in the ground and a process begins that we might nurture (cultivate and water), but do we cause the growth? Power of life is revealed which God placed in the seed and bit-by-bit a young plant is able to lift and break through the ground and begin a fruitful existence.

In one of His explanations regarding the Kingdom of God, Jesus stated. . .

"(26) And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. (27) He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. (28) The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. (29) But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.' " ( Mark 4:26-29 ESV)

The Greek word translated "by itself" in verse 28 is "automate" from "automatos"; "of self" or "of own accord". Does the Greek bring to mind the English word "automatic"? It is the 18th century source of that English word. When the seed is planted and the soil is right, the result of growth and fruitfulness is automatic. While the sower goes about the things of life day or night, it just happens. THE POWER is in the seed that was sown!

With the growth of God's Kingdom, THE POWER IS IN THE WORD OF THE KINGDOM MESSAGE. The boast cannot be in ourselves. One may have planted and another watered, but it is God who has provided what causes the growth. ( 1 Corinthians 3:6-7) The transformation of an individual life is a gradual process and the growing of God's kingdom continues one soul at a time. We may not be able to explain the process, but can recognize the results in what is produced. What a powerful testimony it is to see the lives of individuals and congregations changed when GOD'S WORD AND WILL are allowed to germinate to do their thing. May we keep sowing knowing a harvest will ultimately come.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD'S WORD TO DO ITS THING!
Carl

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