If Jesus Did Not Have Success...

For Thursday, January 5

If Jesus Did Not Have Success...

Mark 4 (click to read)

27 The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn't understand how. 28 It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain.

Both stories about the seeds are an encouragement to me today. The first tells me that my kingdom role as a believer is to continue to be obvious and vocal about my faith. It tells me a few of the people around me will respond with lasting faith in Christ. The second story tells me I cannot figure it out. It is just the way people are and the way the Spirit works. Another (sorta) comforting thought - Jesus was the best representative and witness to God's love and grace ever. But there were still many who would not believe and some who actively opposed His message and invitations. If Jesus experienced this lack of success....   So I will be encouraged that my role is to live and speak faith, to be accurate and truthful about God's love and mercy, and I will happily welcome any partners to the pathway. 

Lord - I want to let go of expectations I have that should not belong to me. I want You, Holy Spirit, to keep me vocal and active as a person who has experienced Your Love and Grace. I want to be a faithful and effective seed thrower - that's all You are asking of me.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)