Sunday, October 30, 2011

SOAP 10/29/2011; Mark 4:26-29

Today's reading: Job 20; Mark 3,4

S) "26 And He was saying, 'The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come'"

Mark 4:26-29 (NASB)

O) Don't get me wrong; I realize that we know, scientifically, how seeds produce crops. I think it's even somewhat likely that they knew, at least on some level, during this time. The analogy still works, though. Maybe it works even better. I don't think your average farmer knows all of the science behind plant growth. The average farm worker would know even less. None of this, however, stops the farmer or worker from planting, fertalizing, and harvesting the crop. Knowing all of the details isn't always important.

A) In the same way, not every believer is going to know all of the specific theology that goes on with Christianity. I myself have a fair amount of knowledge. I'd say it's similar to the farmer. I may know more than the average worker, but certainly there's a lot I don't know in detail. None of that, though, should stop me from putting my hand to the plow. There is work to be done for God; I don't have to know how, exactly, He will make my work fruitful. For example, I am commanded to give to the poor, but I am not required to know how God will then be able to minister, through me, to that person. If I know some details, I should use that knowledge, but it's not a requirement. I just need to be obedient when it's time to work.

P) Father, I like to know the "how" of things, but don't let me get caught up in it. I never want paralasis by analysis. Holy Spirit, where You see fit, please educate me. Give me Your knowledge and wisdom to know how You do the things You do. I want to know whatever will help me be a more effective tool in Your hand. I am, however, content to not know everything. You are a mystery, LORD, and I think that is appropriate. According to Isaiah 55, I know that Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. It would be arrogant for me to think that I can comprehend all of Your ways, Father, so I will choose to trust in Your will for every area of my life, including the work You call me to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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