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Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39; Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56<\/strong><\/span> Mark:<\/strong> I love the parable of the growing seed in Mark chapter 4 verses 26-29.\u00a0 This parable only occurs in the Gospel of Mark.\u00a0 I equate the seed to be the Gospel, which is filled with so much power and truth and life that \u201cthe seeds sprouted and grew without the farmer\u2019s help, because the earth produces crops on its own.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 The Gospel message is so powerful on its own that it will produce a bountiful crop.\u00a0 Or \u2013 maybe the Bible is another way to look at the seed.\u00a0 Reading and studying the Bible will ultimately produce a bountiful crop in our lives.\u00a0 It can\u2019t help but not do so.\u00a0 What do you think the seed represents in this parable?\u00a0 I\u2019ll share with you that I have been thinking more and more about farming these days \u2013 and the wisdom in how farming works.\u00a0 You plant, you water, you care for the soil, you wait, the plant grows.\u00a0 \u00a0And this takes time.\u00a0 You reap what you sow.\u00a0 And I contrast this with our society today \u2013 or myself \u2013 and how everything moves so fast.\u00a0 We want instant gratification.\u00a0 Now!\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 We don\u2019t like to wait on anything.\u00a0 We don\u2019t like the concept of farming\u2026\u00a0 and I\u2019m afraid that this speed of life today can really be unhealthy \u2013 or maybe superficial is the word I\u2019m looking for.\u00a0 In any case, I think the patience and process of farming is something that has so much value for us still today.\u00a0 If we are struggling with sins or sadness or whatever, I think we absolutely need to take these things to Jesus for healing \u2013 but, we would do well to realize that Jesus may want to do some farming in our hearts.\u00a0 He may want to plant some seeds, and give the seeds some time to grow.\u00a0 Sure, maybe sometimes we\u2019ll get an instant gratification healing or answer. But I think more often than not we should be ready for some farming to occur in our hearts.\u00a0 And to thank God for the wisdom of this process!<\/span><\/p>\n I think my little tangent on farming and being patient during the process, above, might play in well to Jesus\u2019 next parable of the mustard seed in verses 30 through 32: \u201cJesus asked, \u201cHow can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 I think if we can have faith in the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts \u2013 be it the Gospel, the Bible, healing, patience, faith \u2013 we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.\u00a0 From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.\u00a0 Will you let Jesus plant a needed mustard seed in your heart?\u00a0 And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?<\/span><\/p>\n Commentary from Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org on Mark chapter 4 titled \u201cThe Meaning of the Miracles\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 Commentary from Bible.org on Jesus healing a demon possessed man in Mark chapter 5 titled the \u201cGerasene Demoniac\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 Below is an image for the end of chapter 4 where we read about Jesus calming the storm:<\/span><\/p>\n The structure of today\u2019s readings in Mark chapter 5 are amazing!\u00a0 The narrative starts with Jairus asking Jesus to heal his daughter who is about to die \u2013 but, then, in the middle of the narrative Jesus\u2019 journey is stopped by a woman who simply wants to touch Jesus\u2019 robe so that she will be healed from a 12-year suffering.\u00a0 And verse 34 in this portion is just so beautiful as Jesus says to the now healed woman: \u201c\u201dDaughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. You have been healed.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Then, the narrative cuts back to Jairus, but it sounds like it\u2019s too late for Jesus to come to the house.\u00a0 Messengers report that the little girl has died.\u00a0 \u00a0Jesus simply tells Jairus in verse 36 \u2013 \u201cJust trust me.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 (which is something so powerful that I believe Jesus says to you and me today too \u2013 \u201cJust trust me.\u201d\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry about anything else in this passing life.\u00a0 \u201cJust trust me.\u201d)\u00a0 And then in verses 40 & 41 we read: \u201cThen he took the girl\u2019s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, \u201cGet up, little girl!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Commentary from Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org on today\u2019s readings in Mark chapter 5 entitled \u201cWhere there is Death there is Hope\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Today\u2019s readings reminded me of the Rush of Fools\u2019 song \u201cUndo.\u201d\u00a0 This is one of my favorite songs!\u00a0 \u201cJesus, you are the only one who can undo what I\u2019ve become\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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