THE EARTH HERSELF

Mark 4:28 & 29

"28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."

Here in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus has called attention to what He is about to teach. He gives encouragement, if we will take the effort and time to learn and understand what God is teaching us we will be rewarded with even greater understanding and knowledge.

His teaching using the parable of the CAST SEED. This is a farming example almost everyone in His audience would understand. "And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should CAST SEED into the ground;" CASTING SEED is simpler, faster, and easier than row sowing and drill planting. This technique does NOT distribute the seeds evenly.

Jesus continues the lesson saying this sower of the seeds does NOT understand how the seeds grow. Then today's verses; "For THE EARTH bringeth forth fruit of HERSELF; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." The farmer knows he does NOT make the crops grow. So it is with mission field; it's gradual growth. At first one might not even notice it. As it grows it is fragile and tender. It needs protection from cold, storms and the scorching sun. With teaching and prayers new Christians can grow their fruits of faith. Their lives fuller and richer all in the praise of our Lord and Savior.

There will come the time of HARVEST. God will bring ALL His children home.

"But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the HARVEST is come."