by Rev Douglas Brauner

God is growing his reign in us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow
All the flowers, all the colors
All in a perfect row
First the seeds
And then the water
Keeping a little space
Daisies here, roses there
Each one has their place

This song fits my garden.

My garden is my happy place when I get up in the morning and when I get home from work. I pull weeds, clip suckers, and water often. However, I find it difficult to wait for the plants to produce fruit. I play an important job in helping the plants produce this fruit, but it’s still a mystery as to how the plant produces what will at sometime grace my table.

“And [Jesus] said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.'”
Mark 4:26-29 English Standard Version

The reign of God works mysteriously in our lives. God’s Word nourishes his reign in our lives. The meal that we share strengthens God’s reign in us. Yet, the growth of that reign is a mystery. God is constantly at work in us, growing us to be the people that he has redeemed us to be. God’s Word is powerful, and accomplishes his will in our lives even when we are unaware of what he is doing.

Take a moment today and reflect on what God’s Word has been doing in you. Think about how the reign of God continues to grow in you. The day of harvest is coming, but until then God will continue to grow his reign in you, and as you wait know that God is already producing his fruit in you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado