People: catalysts for God’s kingdom

Mark tells us that the parable he is about to tell us is just one of many Jesus told (4:2). This makes the point that there’s something about this particular one that is essential in understanding Jesus teaching. What was the point Jesus was making in telling this parable? The kingdom of God can materialize only as people are transformed by it. The kingdom of God as an idea has no value. It becomes increasingly valuable though when it makes its way into the lives of individuals. People are the realm where God’s kingdom flourishes. Once started it has an incredible power to grow exponentially (4:8). It is very dynamic.

One aspect of this powerful truth is that the kingdom of God is a finished product, ready to be deployed. God has done His part. The other aspect, critically important, is that we’ve got an essential part to play in this and that at this point it is all on us. What we do determines if God will unleash his kingdom in our lives or it will be deemed fruitless.

Now we do have a peek into God’s kingdom as it has manifested in the lives of other people. We know its value, its beauty and its impact. So it is not like we’re the first ones to test it out. It does have a proven record (4:8). Thus, Jesus words “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” are perennial. Let what you hear sink in, transform. Push any blocks, anything that hinders to the side. Make way for this wonderful life. It is after all, as Jesus put it in another instance, “life … to the full” (John 10:10).

Created about 4 years ago