What a strange
day we find in Mark 4...
Jesus goes back again to the sea-shore to sit down and tell the crowds
stories from a boat - without explaining what they mean - then finishes with: “He
that has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Don’t we all? Yup, this is for anybody)
In private He explains only ‘the seed sower’, with 2 bonus parables, and
another: “He that has ears to hear...” for everybody present.
Then He decides to cross the sea, goes to sleep only to be woken by his panicked friends, so He calms the storm just with: “Peace, be still!”
What
a day!
Here’s the
key...
We
notice from careful reading that it was... ‘they that were about Him with the twelve
asked of Him the parable’ v10 These
people made it their business to go get answers instead of sitting on the beach!
If you or I hear the Word, it’s then time for
ACTION – of course!
What was the
answer they got?...
The
‘mystery’ of the Kingdom of God – the only time the Lord is recorded using this
word musterion – ‘that which is
revealed only to those initiated’ - the same word apostle Paul will use to
describe the Church and the Rapture of the Church!
What seems
to be happening here?
Jesus has abandoned the Jews in their
synagogue for now, has appealed to the crowds, shared great truths privately to
anybody interested and finally calmed a great storm for the disciples and
others.
“Why are you fearful?
How is it that you have no faith?”
Is the Lord hinting
at a transition?... using the apostles and others in future to put the lamp
where it can be seen, letting the earth bring forth fruit and letting what
began as small as a mustard seed grow into a mighty tree.
Soon enough there will be a mighty storm but He will be with the faithful remnant and bring
them thru to great calm.
What fruit are
you producing? Is that light shining bright from you?
