Consider the Word, June 10, 2021

Consider the Word, June 10, 2021
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A Printable Copy
 
Readings for June 13

• 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
• Psalm 20
• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17
• Mark 4:26-34

 
Collect

Almighty God,

without you we are not able to please you.

Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit

may in all things direct and rule our hearts;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

 
Reflection Questions

1. A seed once planted is a mystery being revealed. What mystery is being revealed in this parable?
2. Mustard was considered a weed when this parable was told, how does that fact impact what the parable teaches about faith?
3. Where is the hope in this scripture?

 
Closing Prayer

Your hand is upon your people, O God,

to guide and protect them through the ages.

Keep in your service

those you have called and anointed,

that the powers of this world may not overwhelm us,

but that, secure in your love,

we may carry out your will

in the face of all adversity. Amen.

 
The Message: Mark 4:26-34

^26-29 Then Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!

^30-32 “How can we picture God’s kingdom? What kind of story can we use? It’s like an acorn. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge oak tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it.”

^33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson