:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

Continuing my series on the Gospel of Mark…

Jesus preached a concealed message that wasn’t clear or easy to figure out. He didn’t want to make his message so simple that anyone could accept it without taking the time to carefully think it through. However, Jesus said that the problem isn’t his message, but rather the listeners. God is speaking to us, but we have to adjust ourselves and prepare to receive his message.

Those who apply themselves to it will be given more understanding, and will be more fruitful—their lives being changed by the message. For those who are hardened and unprepared for his message there will be little to no gain or benefit. Jesus is looking for people who will slow down, listen closely, and prepare themselves to receive his message.

You could say it’s like roto-tilling our hearts and minds for him. Good soil doesn’t happen by accident. It takes careful time and planning. I’m not a gardening expert, but when we had our 20 by 10 foot patch out back we composted all year, piled up leaves on the garden in the fall, and then worked both into the soil in the spring along with some other natural fertilizers. When it came time to sow seeds we had already done a lot of work.

This all makes sense for a backyard garden, but in the case of becoming “good soil” for the message of Jesus we have to consider how we can prepare ourselves to receive his message. While a garden requires labor, our hearts may require quiet, solitude, or time for meditation.

Receiving the message of Jesus is a process. We can prepare for it, but even once the seed takes root we must remain patient, waiting for God to accomplish his work in us. Farmers can’t make seeds grow much faster than is natural, though they can protect them from environmental threats.

Having said that his message is partially concealed by stories, Jesus still told his disciples that it is a lamp for all to see. In fact, Jesus brought both the Good News of the Kingdom and the evil of man into the light through his teaching. The message of Jesus is meant to be understood, but the process to understanding isn’t necessarily easy.

As the receivers of the Kingdom become distributors who share its message, they will have to entrust God with the results to provide the harvest in the end. In addition, much like a mustard seed the Kingdom begins very small, but over time it grows into a large plant.