Has it Grown

Mark 4:30 (KJV) And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

Mark 4:31 (KJV) It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

Another word picture of a “SEED.” The chapter started out with the sower going out to sow. Then we read about the growing seed, can’t stay a seed. Now a recap about a small seed that grows into a large tree.  Our faith in Christ Jesus starts out so small but it shouldn’t stay small, why? Because of the storms of this life that will come. It would be nice if after we accepted Christ as our savior there would never be any more problems.  But that’s not the case, problems do come and we are about to read of such a storm that’s  about to come into these disciples' lives and shake their world. Well the question is not for these disciples, the question is for each of us. What have we done with the mustard seed? Has it grown? Is it growing? Do we want it to grow? Really, is it that important? My question is how will you handle the storms of this life? This day in these disciples life is about to change. Just like it does in our life. All is going great, why it wasn’t but just a little while ago you told somebody that asked you “how is life treating you.” You responded “if it were any better I would be twins.” Watch out  verse 35 says the same day!

Mark chapter 4 starts off with teaching by the sea side and ends that evening. Remember Jesus is teaching leaders, oh these men may not see themselves as leaders but Jesus has already seen them as such. Remember back on July 26  I wrote about what Vince Lombardi said: "Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work." Jesus had been teaching, now the question is have these men been learning? The only way for these men to know is to be tested on what they had been taught. 

Mark 4:35 (KJV) And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. This didn’t seem like much of a test but these men are about to be tested on Fear and Faith.  They get into a ship, they should have felt comfortable or at least some of them should. We know Peter, Andrew, James and John had spent most of their lives on a ship fishing for a living. It may have seemed like a nice evening. The half moon and the stars were shining, the wind blew softly across these men’s faces. Jesus had laid down and went to sleep.  What a nice night to sail. But it wasn’t long before nice became awful and danger turned into fear because things were way out of control.  Mark 4:37 (KJV) And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. The waves, The wind and The water were all they could see. This moment in time fear had overtaken their faith. Hold on, let's stop and remember the first thing Jesus said before this journey started.  

Mark 4:35 (KJV) And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. These disciples weren't paying attention to the other side; all they saw was doom and death. All while Jesus was sleeping and trusting in His Word. Remember what was first taught. Mark 4:13 (KJV) And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark 4:14 (KJV) The sower soweth the word.. There’s the key “the word” what was the Word “he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side” 🙋🏽Question? We’re they on the other side yet? No they were not! God's Word has power to be planted in the heart, to grow and to mature. So what happened? What did Jesus have to say to these men? Had this been a test on paper ❌ F 

Mark 4:40 (KJV) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Don’t be so hard on these men for we all face these moments in life. Have you ever said Why Me? Maybe not but you thought it. We must never forget God’s Word.  Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Well what about these men on such a horrifying night? Jesus never left them in the storm and Jesus kept His Word. “Let us pass over unto the other side.”

Mark 5:1 (KJV) And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

Don’t Be Leon ‘Goose’ Goslin

 We have just finished writing about the different types of soils, the seed was sown. There was no question about the seed Jesus said  in Mark 4:14 (KJV) The sower soweth the word. Just like any seed that falls into good ground it grows. When you heard the Word of God how did you respond? What type of soil were you? How much have you grown? Verse 27 we read  “the seed should spring and grow up” verse 28  “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” It’s a simple procedure most have seen. Have you ever planted anything? Watched it come up? At first it’s just a small blade pushing it’s way through the soil. But as you watch day by day it grows more and more. It’s a picture of the Christian life, it’s a growing process day by day. Then we read when the full ear is grown Mark 4:29 (KJV) But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. I understand that when the fruit is ripe it must be harvested.  But the word picture, if I’m correct, is the person receiving Christ into their heart. Then through their life growing and maturing until death or the harvest. What was all that growing for? Will it be any good to us in eternity? I think that our learning process will have to be corrected. Why would I say that? Because of the many different beliefs each religion has. Therefore they can’t all be right. Here’s what I have learned. Everyone claims to back up what they believe with scripture and rightly so. But in the confusion I have learned there’s confusion. So here’s my thoughts on this matter. We must first get it right on the first step.  Luke 19:10 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. If we don’t get this part right it doesn’t matter what else we get right. For Jesus Christ came into this world to do what? Jesus Christ came for one purpose to save sinners; that which was lost. If we miss that, it matters not what else we get right. In 1924 the World Series, the New York Giants and the Washington Senators were tied after six games. Griffith Stadium in Washington was packed for the final game on October 10, 1924. At the beginning of the ninth inning the score was tied at three runs each. New York didn’t score any runs and Washington came to bat. The first two men made outs and it looked like there would be extra innings. Then a player named Leon ‘Goose’ Goslin came to the plate. Two strikes were called and then two balls.   On the fifth pitch, Goslin stepped into the ball and slammed it to left center field. The crowd became delirious; it looked like a home run, but it hit inches below the top of the wall and fell back onto the field of play. Goslin was running around the bases, slowing down for a triple when the third base coach waved him on to try for an in-park home run. The shortstop took the peg from left center and fired the ball to the catcher. Goslin slid into home in a cloud of dust, seemingly a split second before the tag. The umpire delayed his call. After consulting with the other umpires he cried, ‘You’re out!’ Washington player/manager, Bucky Harris, along with his team and fans rushed onto the field, protesting the call. The umpire secured order and announced, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the batter is out…not because he didn’t beat the ball at home plate but because he didn’t touch first base!’ That’s why we must understand first, I’m a sinner and without Jesus Christ I’m lost! Miss this important fact and you’re out. 

What Did You Hear?

As I was reading here in Mark Chapter 4 the word “HEAR” caught my attention. The word “HEAR” is mentioned 18 times in the book of Mark. The first time we read it is in Mark chapter 4 and in verse 9 and it’s mentioned 2 times “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” All together it’s mentioned 10 times out of 18 in chapter 4. Wow, there must be something the reader needs to pay attention to and hear in Mark Chapter 4.   Do more than just listen, let it be more than just noise in the background. Hear what Jesus is saying and teaching about the Ground and the seed.  Hear what’s being said about The Lamp Under The Basket.  Mark 4:21 (KJV) And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? When I first read that my first thoughts was the song I use to teach in the Children Church to the boys and girls. 

“This little light o’ mine, I'm goin’ let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Evrywhere I go, I'm goin’ let it shine (repeat)

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a Bushel, No, I'm goin’ let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

In my neighbor's home, I'm goin’ let it shine  (repeat)

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.“

Jesus asked a question “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed?”  Course not it’s to be put on a lamp stand to give off its light.  

Mark 4:22 (KJV) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. The light illuminates things that can’t be seen in the dark. But it also reveals that which is secret. I see another word picture here. It’s The Word  that Jesus was talking about in the verses earlier. Why do I think that? Here’s why. 

Mark 4:23 (KJV) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:24 (KJV) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. Pay attention to what you're listening to!  This is the way knowledge increases.

Mark 4:25 (KJV)  For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Those who understand will be given more knowledge. Some don’t or won’t listen, so over time they lose what they knew. 

It’s all summed up in this verse 

Luke 6:45 (KJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. We are either increasing or decreasing. 

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Finally, Fruit

We have looked at 3 types of soils. The way side soil which is hard, the Stony ground where there’s not much soil and among the thorns where there was soil but something else was growing. 

Mark 4:8 we read of good soil.  “And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.”

What did Jesus have to say about this good ground?  Mark 4:20 (KJV) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

• The way side, heard, but satan came immediately. They didn’t have time. They heard but it was like noise in the background. I don’t have time for this right now.

• The stony ground, heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

            But  have no root in themselves. They also heard God’s Word and were glad to hear it. But they didn't let it take root. 

• Those among thorns;  hear the word but the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of other things choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. They heard too but they were just too busy at the time.

The good ground hears, their heart is soft, they have root in himself and they realize that because of deceitfulness  of this world they must depend upon the Lord in all that they do. Because they realize it’s not about themselves but it’s all about Jesus Christ they produce fruit some more than others but they all were producing Fruit that was useful as well as productive.

The Thorns Chasing the Carrot

Mark 4:7 (KJV) And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. We are still reading about the seed that is being sown. The seed hits the hard Pathway and is quickly taketh away. The Stoney Ground is a little better but not good enough to produce any roots. Now the seed falls in among the thorns and it begins to grow, finally it looks like we are headed in the right direction. Wait, those thorns grow up and choke the life out and there’s no fruit. Here’s the meaning Jesus gives of “Something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction.” The seed leaves the hand of the sower and lands in the thorns and is choked.  The seed is the Word and satan has gotten the Pathway seed, the second seed falls on Stony ground but no roots. Now the seed is in the thorns and it’s  life is choked out.  

Mark 4:18 (KJV) And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Mark 4:19 (KJV) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. They hear BUT the cares of this World become more important. The deceit of wealth will more make me happier. That’s chasing the carrot! What does that mean?  In days gone by, a carrot was tied to a stick in front of a mule or stubborn horse to make them step forward and walk ahead. They were never able to reach the carrot. Chasing the carrot is simply attempting to reach the unreachable. 🥕🏃‍♂️I have a friend whose dad chased the carrot all over the U.S. He told me it was hard to have childhood friends. Because just about the time you were getting settled in Dad would get a better paying job and we were gone to another state. Then there’s the Lust of other things. What’s the result? Not enough time to Worship the God of our salvation. We are too busy, the lake, the boats, the cars, time spent with friends, trips, resting, camping, shows, football, baseball, racing, deer, rabbit, coon, turkey hunting, Lust of other things. Lust has a far greater depth than just sneaking off and meeting up with your co-worker. What’s the result? God’s Word is choked and there’s no fruit of it to be enjoyed by you or your family. The Lust of other things, just keep you busy chasing the carrot and you are never satisfied with what you have nor what you could have had. ☹️There’s always just one more step. Just a few more years in this job, or once you graduate, or as soon as you get married, or when the kids are older, or when your faith is stronger, or when you can afford the next thing that promises happiness. Just. One. More. Step. The endless pursuit of more. Chasing the carrot!

No Roots

Mark 4:5 (KJV) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

Last time we wrote about the Pathway Seed today I want to write about the Stony Ground Seed. Remember the teaching here are word pictures, parables  “Something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction.” The sower goes out to sow. Now the word picture as he sows, some of the seeds fall on the way side and some fall on stony ground. We are told that on the stony ground there wasn’t much earth. But then we read that it Immediately sprung up because it had no depth of earth. Then we read why..

Mark 4:6 (KJV) But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. It had no root, if there’s  no root there’s no growth.  In verse 16 & 17 Jesus explains the meaning Mark 4:16 (KJV) And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark 4:17 (KJV) And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. Remember the seed is the Word and when they hear the Word they “immediately receive it with gladness” let’s clarify “The Word”  I personally believe it’s preaching the Word! John preached  repentance of sin in Mark 1:44 (KJV) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 

Mark 1:38 (KJV) Jesus said “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.” 

Mark 3:14 (KJV)  Jesus “ordained twelve, that he might send them forth to preach,” 

Here’s the picture, the Word was being preached: somebody heard it and believed what was being preached. It looked like the Word had taken root until “when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.” Nothing grows without roots. Time tells what people really have; faith in Christ Jesus, trust or No roots, quickly gone. Because of no roots they get offended, how do you know? No more Church, no more Bible reading, no more Prayer, no more Christian friends. But ask them about their belief, and they go back to the day they received the Word with gladness, it’s a fake faith, No Roots!  

Matthew 7:16 (KJV) Ye shall know them by their fruits. That which has roots grows fruit.

No Understanding

Mark chapter 4 opens up with Jesus teaching again by the sea side. Once again there’s a great multitude that have come to hear Him.  Jesus is teaching them using many parables. What are “PARABLES?”  Something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction. 

Jesus teaches using something the hears as well as the readers can understand. Mark 4:1 (KJV) And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.Mark Mark 4:2 (KJV) And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Jesus in verse 3 begins to teach. His first words are about a sower and him going out to sow.  

Mark 4:3 (KJV) Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:  As I began to read these verses I quickly noticed something, the abundance of seeds that were being sown. Here’s what I envision as I read this parable. The farmer goes out with an abundance of seed. As he sows, we are told where these seeds go. Some fell by the wayside. These seeds missed the field and went out onto the beaten pathway, hard ground, just laying there in the open the birds came and quickly ate them. 

Mark 4:4 (KJV) And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. Nice story, no problem understanding it. But it’s  much more than a nice story. It's a story with meaning. Later Jesus explains this story. It’s something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction. I’ll take each one and draw out the moral. 

The Pathway seed hits hard ground and the birds quickly come and devour them. The parable is explained in  Mark 4:14 (KJV) The sower soweth the word.

In the next verse we are told who the fowls of the air are. Mark 4:15 (KJV) And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. It was interesting to me the way it was worded “the fowls of the air came” then when it was explained it read “Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sow” in the book of Ephesians we are told Ephesians 2:2 (KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: the fowl came out of the air and devoured; satan is referred to as the prince of the power of the air. So who do you think doesn’t want you to understand? 🤔🙋🏽is your heart hard??