I read this short parable this morning and it reminded me of what happens each week at actionchurch.
26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” Mark 4:26-29
Every week we bring God’s word from the Bible and “scatter” it on the crowd. On weeks when the chairs are packed, we scatter God’s word. When lots of chairs are empty, we scatter God’s word. When everything runs smoothly, we scatter God’s word. When nothing seems to work correctly, we scatter God’s word. No matter who is speaking, or what band is playing, or what season or sermon series it is…we simply scatter God’s word.
And (as this parable promises) It works.
The seeds sprout.
Lives are changed.
People chose to turn from their sin and follow Jesus.
Sometimes it’s obvious and dramatic as it will be on 7/29 when we celebrate the people going public with their faith through water baptism at John Rudy Park. Sometimes it happens “underground”, as hearts, minds, and attitude change in an invisible but incredibly powerful way. Sometime it seems to happen quickly, other times it takes years to take root.
The truth is, like the farmer in the parable, WE DON’T EVEN KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT WORKS! We just know that is DOES work…that God’s word is powerful and life-changing everywhere and every time it is “scattered”. We know that it works, and we intend to continue to spread God’s word to as many possible…anywhere possible.