Scripture: Mark 4:1-34 The farmer sows the word (v14)… Whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though the farmer does not know how (v27).
Observe As I preach the Word – as the farmer sows the seed – I can’t tell what ‘soil’ the Word falls on. But it’s okay. The Word does its work. My job is simply to preach the Word. The Word does its work whether I fall asleep or get up and work. There’s freedom in that.
Application I am called to preach the Word. That means, however, I need to spend time discovering what the Word says. I don’t just ‘crank out’ a sermon but it’s vital that I take the time to explore the Word. The Word as it is needs to be preached. Faithfulness lies in the preaching, not in the results.
Application for today I need to spend time ‘in’ the Word, finding out what God wants to say to his people. Only then can I prepare the sermon by which I am his conduit.
Pray Help me, Lord, as a preacher to trust the Word not my own ability (inability?) as a preacher. And, of course, help[ me to preach.