Kingdom seeds Sowing today to reap tomorrow
By Andrew Clouse
“Then Jesus said, ‘God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a farmer 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!’” —Mark 4:26–29
Often the kingdom of God blooms while we’re busy with other things.
When the first Mennonite teachers arrived in China 30 years ago, they had no idea their ministry of teaching English would later become an important support network for the exploding Chinese Christian church. Now, thanks to their work in bringing individual pastors together, these Chinese churches are learning the best ways to reach out to their communities (page 10).
Today, a small group of South African Christians are working to raze the walls of racism left behind by apartheid through a toy car derby (page 6).
Will this event make a difference? Who can know the mind of God?
What seeds are we planting today that might grow into mighty oaks tomorrow? It is exciting and humbling to know that God may be using even us to bring God’s kingdom to earth.
Often our toil feels meaningless; our pleas sometimes seem to fall on deaf ears. Paul’s assurance in 1 Corinthians 15:58 gives us hope: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let’s plant today so tomorrow’s harvest may be plentiful.