Growing us
Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. Mark 4:27
Science has come a long way since Mark wrote his gospel.
But then again, has it?
Growers of the past weren’t oblivious to the science of germination. Oh, sure, they did not have all the technological advancements we have. Through experiments, observations and experience however, the even the non-farming folks around the time of Jesus’ ministry knew what we know today: put a seed in the ground and it grows.
Mark is speaking of a mystery greater than seeds, soil, sun and water. The gospel writer is talking about how people of all ages aren’t completely aware of how God grows us. Like theologians of the past and theologians today, we can try to understand what and how God is doing this. Actually, we can really try to understand this growth with every advancement possible, but in Mark’s era like in our era, there are pieces and puzzles we can’t get or don’t have at the moment.
This should cause to celebrate not be sorrowful because what we do get in part is that in our night and day our God at work on us and within us. Certainly, we grow in faith, but how, when, where and how this all happens is best left for a deep and gentle smile, an ever so slight shrug of the shoulder, and the joy of knowing God never stops moving us along to places in the sun where we can keep growing toward Him.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, just like Mark and those around him, we know that we don’t know enough. Even with all the science we do wonderfully have from You, our Creator, we still don’t understand how our faith and growth happen. Still (and always), keep us growing as we keep loving and trusting You. Amen.
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