“And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground’” (Mark 4:26 ESV).
Mark recorded that Jesus taught the crowds in parables, comparing the kingdom of God to a man scattering seed. By this, Jesus described God’s sovereign rule inaugurated through Himself, presently advancing through the gospel by the Spirit’s power, and awaiting its final consummation at His return. The kingdom was not portrayed as a visible political realm, but as God’s saving reign breaking into human hearts. In the parable, the farmer scattered seed and then continued with the ordinary rhythms of life while the seed sprouted and grew “he knows not how.” The growth was real, certain, and purposeful, but also mysterious and gradual. Jesus revealed that the kingdom was not produced by human ingenuity or sustained by frantic effort. Once the seed was sown, God Himself brought the increase. The emphasis rested not on the skill of the sower, but on the sovereign activity of God who gave life to the seed.
We are reminded that our calling is to scatter the seed of the gospel faithfully. We are not responsible for manufacturing spiritual growth or forcing visible results. The kingdom of God grows by God’s power, not ours. When we share Christ, teach His Word, disciple our children, or preach the gospel, we are sowing seed. Growth often happens invisibly and gradually. We may not see immediate fruit. We may feel discouraged by delays. Yet this parable reassures us that God is active even when we cannot see it. His Word does not return void. The Spirit works beneath the surface of human hearts in ways beyond our understanding. Therefore, we reject anxiety over outcomes and refuse discouragement over slow progress. We choose obedience over control. We choose faithfulness over frantic striving. Our part is clear: sow the gospel and trust God for the result.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that Your kingdom advances by Your sovereign power. Guard us from anxiety when we cannot see immediate fruit. Keep us faithful in scattering the seed of the gospel. Help us trust You with the growth, believing that You are always at work even when unseen. Strengthen our hearts to sow diligently and rest confidently in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.