516. MAR 4:26-29. SPIRITUAL VEGETATION

Mar_4:26-29. Spiritual Vegetation

"And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground: and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how," &c.’97Mar_4:26-29.

This beautiful parable may be interpreted and applied either to the origin and progress of Christianity in the world, or to the establishment, growth, and perfection of the grace of God in the soul. Both views contain much that is instructive to the mind, and in both are opened to us the mysteries of the divine kingdom. We purpose, however, to consider it in its application to personal religion. Observe,

I. That the principle of religion in the heart is divine. It is as "seed cast into the ground." Not something natural to the heart, or inherent, but something imparted to it. This seed is divine truth. The gospel of the grace of God, heavenly doctrine. Glad tidings of joy from the Lord.

(1.) Notice the seed is spiritual. Not of man, or from men.

(2.) It is pure. The holy word of God.

(3.) It is vital and imperishable. Liveth and abideth forever.

This seed is the germ of true and saving religion. The regenerated soul is born again of it.

II. That the instrumentality employed in carrying on religion is human. "As if a man should cast seed," &c. The apostles and disciples were intrusted with the seed of the kingdom, and they were commissioned to bear it to the wide world. God still employs his own servants to do this.

(1.) Generally the ministers of the gospel. It is their special work to preach the word’97to sow this seed.

(2.) Oftentimes Christian parents and friends. Who diligently teach their children, and train them up in the knowledge of God’s blessed word. "From a child thou hast known the scriptures," &c.

(3.) Frequently Sabbath-school teachers and tract distributers. These go forth bearing the truths of the gospel, and from Sabbath to Sabbath casting this precious seed into the ground. All Christians should labor to do this. What useful examples the word of God furnishes. Those who were scattered in the early persecution "went everywhere preaching the word." Act_8:4. So also the woman of Samaria, &c.

III. The operations of divine grace are invisible and mysterious. "And the seed should spring up, he knoweth not how," Mar_4:27. Some of the laws of vegetation are known; for instance, it is understood that the seed must be decomposed, or die, and that from it germinateth the new life and fruit. But how and in what exact manner no man knoweth. The process too is invisible. It is hidden in the deep earth from the eye of the observer. So the process of grace in the soul is, in like manner, both mysterious and invisible to the eye of man. See Joh_3:8. God alone knoweth the process of its operations, and seeth its influence on the heart and mind of its recipient. The minister soweth the seed, but for some time knows not its action on the mind. The friend, or relative, even in the midst of daily intercourse, may not for a time discern it. Who can tell the emotions of the heart, and the anxieties and desires of the soul, but God alone?

IV. The process of grace in the soul is gradual and progressive. "First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." Thus divine truth first enlightens the mind; then convicts the conscience; then produces anxiety, remorse, compunction; then desire. There will be contrition, true penitential sorrow, forsaking of sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus as the only refuge and hope. With this will be produced,

1. The new nature. Heavenly. Tender. Infantile. Or in the similitude of the text, "the blade." From this will be exhibited,

2. The evidences of the spiritual life. Then "the ear," or as it means, the stalk as well as the ear. Then will follow,

3. The fruits of the Christian character. "The full corn in the ear." The exhibition of the graces and virtues of spiritual religion. The fruits of righteousness to the glory of divine grace. Hence the admonitory counsel of the apostle, "And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue," &c. 2Pe_1:5-8.

V. The divine tendency of grace in the heart is to perfect maturity. "But when the fruit is brought forth," that is, when it is manifestly full and ripe. Now the great end of the owner of the soil was the bringing forth of this fruit. So also this was the divine purpose in preparing the seed to be sown. This was also the object of the sower. To this, tended the sunshine, the rains, and the dews. God graciously designs the perfection of the work he begins. "He who hath begun the good work," &c. Maturity of Christian character involves,

(1.) The perfected graces of the Holy Spirit.

(2.) Deadness to the world.

(3.) Spirituality and heavenly-mindedness of soul.

(4.) Entire conformity and resignation to the divine will.

(5.) "Looking and waiting for that blessed hope," &c. Tit_2:13.

VI. God takes the mature Christian to the enjoyment of himself in glory. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come," Mar_4:29. When the Christian is meet for heavenly inheritance. When he has borne the fruit of Christian usefulness. Done his generation’s work. Answered all the designs of his heavenly Father’97He then gives the commission to the angelic convoy, as in the case of Lazarus, to bear him to his celestial home and reward. He falls asleep on earth’97he awakes in glory. He dies to all below, and lives in the regions of immortality for evermore. He is not found here, for he has been gathered to the assembly of the first-born; he is now enrolled with the spirits of just men made perfect. We ask in conclusion,

1. Has this work been begun in your souls? Have you received the grace of God in truth?

2. Are you advancing in Christian holiness, and going onwards towards perfection?

3. Let the heavenly rewards be often contemplated to quicken your souls, and to elevate your desires.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS