Song # 1430.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. Jesus spoke to the people in parables, but when He was alone with His disciples, He explained what they meant to them.
Jesus said “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground" (Mark 4:26). "Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how” (Mark 4:27). “All by itself the soil produces corn, first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear” (Mark 4:28). "As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:29). “And the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:30), “is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground” (Mark 4:31). “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32). With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33). He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when He was alone with His own disciples, He explained everything (Mark 4:34).
Thought for today: God speaks to those who listen, and listens to those who pray.
Thought for tomorrow: the more we look to heaven, the less we need on earth. Where will you spend your eternity?