One of the reasons Mark's Gospel is considerably shorter than the others is that he records very few of Jesus' stories, which we call parables. Mark Chapter 4 is therefore exceptional in that it includes three parables – all of which would be appropriate to a Harvest Thanksgiving service. More remarkable still is that the parable we are going to concentrate on is only to be found in Mark.

In a way, the parable of the growing seed is an appendix to the well-known parable of the sower. It tells us more about the seed that falls into the good soil – in other words, what happens when God's powerful, life-giving Word enters a receptive human heart. (Check out Hebrews 4:12 and 1 Peter 1:23 for more on the power and seed-like quality of God's Word).

'This is what the kingdom of God is like...' (verse 26). The parable illustrates the progressive reign of God in the world at large. But we shall concentrate on the way it explains how an individual comes to faith in Christ and then grows, spiritually, as a Christian. The parable teaches that, wherever God's Word is truly received, the growth of God's kingdom is:

Incessant
'Night and day...the seed sprouts and grows' (verse 27). The rotation of the earth around its own axis and the rotation of the earth around the sun should not lull us into a false sense of security. The apparently endless round of day and night and of the seasons is simply the environment God has provided so that the spiritual harvest he has planned and secured may be ripened. What is happening spiritually in your life at the moment?

Irrespective
'...whether he sleeps or gets up...' (verse 27). The farmer has the faith to believe that the seed will sprout without his having constantly to prowl his fields at night or turn over the soil to see what is happening. Are you confident that the Lord is growing his kingdom in your life? What are the grounds of your confidence? True Christians have the peaceful assurance that the penalty of their sin has been paid for by Christ on the cross – and that they are being prepared for glory – whatever happens. Do you?

Incomprehensible
'...though he does not know how...' (verse 27). The secrets of biological life and growth are still largely unknown to science. But the farmer does not need to understand these mysteries. How much more is this true of us in the vastly more complex spiritual realm. Look up John 3:8. We must experience what we cannot explain. There is a time when further questioning is foolish, and simple trust is required.

Independent
'All by itself the soil produces grain...' (verse 28). The farmer may plough, select the seed, sow, water and fertilise it – but only God can make it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). The sovereign grace and love of God in salvation should give us great confidence.

Inevitable
'...first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head' (verse 28). There are stages in the process of becoming a true believer, and there are stages as a believer matures in his faith. What stage are you at, spiritually? Has the seedling appeared above the surface? Can others yet see that you belong to the kingdom of God?

Intentional
'As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come' (verse 29). All this growth is for a glorious purpose. See Revelation 14:14-16. But, at the end of our lives, when we are 'harvested', will we prove to have been among the wheat or the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)? Ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ cannot receive into heaven those who would not receive him on earth.