Today’s scripture: Mark 4:10-20 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Kristin Lee):
I’m a bit of a nerd. I always have been, and I probably always will be. (And I’m okay with that.) I loved to raise my hand in elementary school to answer questions or to volunteer to read. I have a memory of raising my hand in sixth grade to ask a question that I didn’t really need the answer to, just because I wanted to be called on. I wanted to make sure the teacher knew I got it, that I understood.
I wonder how many of the disciples in today’s reading wanted to raise their hand and let Jesus know that they got it when he explained the parable. Not only did they get it so that they could explain the word to others, but maybe to show that they were the good soil. (Come on, Jesus was the ultimate teacher. There had to have been at least one disciple who was a nerd in the way I’ve described.)
It wouldn’t have been me raising my hand. I have enough sense to know that I don’t get it. I console myself by telling myself that I’m in good company.
When I saw Maya Angelou speak a few years ago, she said that when people tell her that they are a Christian, she responds by asking, “Already?” I interpreted her point to be that becoming a Christian is a journey, and we need to be careful to assume that we can ever master Jesus’ teachings.
So maybe when we go out to sow the seeds of the word to others, we might be more effective if we share how heavy the bag is, rather than taking pride in watching where our seeds land.
Thought for the day: What do I know I don’t get? What do I get? Might that be an area to reexamine?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.