Mark 4:26-29  Jesus gave us a second parable using the example of sowing seeds. 

 "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows - how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 

Jesus has already told us that the "seed" is the Word of God.. He has told us that the Word has to be received and accepted in order to produce fruit.  He has told us to listen carefully to the Word so that we can perceive and understand His message.  Here, He is teaching that although "man" can sow the seed.. we can't understand how it actually grows and produces the fruit.. or grain.  

This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians ( 3:6-7) "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but  God who cause the growth."  

In verses 30-34 Jesus taught one more kingdom parable using a "seed".. this time a "mustard seed".. a very tiny seed that when sowed produces a large tree.. "larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade."  This, Jesus tells us, is how we can picture the "kingdom of God".  

The Word of God is powerful, the writer of Hebrews tells us, "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." ( Hebrews 4:12) 

When we speak or write or sing.. the Word of God.. however it is that God leads us to sow His seed.. His Word into the lives of others... we are using a powerful sword of the Spirit.  Sometimes that Word will fall on hard, rocky, or thorny ground.. but sometimes it will fall on good soil.. hearts that He has prepared to receive it.. accept it.. and heed it.  That Word.. ever so small as it may be.. will grow as He makes it grow.  

Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray this, " Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you... " ( II Thes. 3:1)   And we pray.. AMEN! 

Father send out the Light.. the blessed gospel Light.. The Word of God.. to all the world. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.