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COMPARISON

Mark 4:30-32
"30 And He said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
31 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:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it."

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus has called attention to what He is about to teach. First He gave encouragement of even greater understanding and knowledge. Then opened with the parable of the CAST SEED. This technique does NOT distribute the seeds evenly. He continued the lesson saying this sower of the seeds does NOT understand how the seeds grow. The farmer knows he does NOT make the crops grow. And He rounds it out with foretelling there will come the time of HARVEST. God will bring ALL His children home.

Today's verses Jesus extends His teaching saying; "And He said, Whereunto shall we LIKEN the kingdom of God? or with what COMPARISON shall we compare it?" Imagine a dramatic pause here as Jesus let's His audience think of really GRAND things to be like the Kingdom of GOD! And, then He says; "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:" Jesus did not compare it to something noble or big. He compared it to the littlest of things. Something that you might never even notice. Nothing at all the tiny MUSTARD SEED!

Until it is planted, placed into GOD'S hands... Jesus continues; "But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh GREATER than all herbs, and shooteth out GREAT BRANCHES; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." So it is with the simple Gospel; just a few words can grow and blossom into a changed life. One that provides shelter for others and provides opportunity for the seeds of the simple Gospel to be planted in their hearts. Plant seeds where you are and where God sends you.

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. This week's service is a report on our Mexico mission trip. You can watch it by following this link... 
https://youtu.be/YgXP8Iv-tbo
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