Do you know the story of Eunice, Lois and Timothy?
Eunice and Lois were the mother and grandmother of Timothy. Timothy was no older than in his late teens or early twenties when the apostle, Paul selected him for missionary service.
But don’t think for one moment that Timothy inherited his faith. Eunice and Lois taught Timothy to look for the Messiah from early childhood. They most certainly prayed for young Timothy. And when Paul presented the Gospel in Derbe and Lystra, they each gave their hearts to Christ. 2 Timothy 1:1-5
But in God’s time, the Spirit works in people’s hearts. He begins to draw them to salvation. A seed is planted. Though others are unaware, it begins to grow.
For some people, the result is a salvation experience that happens in early childhood or youth. For others, it may take a lifetime. Eventually, the hearts of those who will believe are drawn to faith.
That brings us the parable of Jesus for this week.
Then Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who plants seed in the ground.
The seed comes up and grows night and day. It doesn’t matter whether the man is asleep or awake; the seed still grows.
The man does not know how it grows.
Without any help, the earth produces grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head.
When the grain is ready, the man cuts it. This is the harvest time.”
Mark 4:26-29
This parable should encourage believers to rest in God’s love for the lost. We cannot force salvation on anyone. But we can fully rely on God’s kindness.
Instead of panicking over loved ones who reject Christ, simply obey Him by being prepared to plant the seed of the Gospel. Pray for people. Live a radiant life that reflects simple childlike faith in Jesus.
Paul had a healthy understanding of what his role was in service to God. He knew that only the Spirit of God could persuade others to believe. He knew first-hand about God’s grace and His power to save the lost.
I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
International Children’s Bible (ICB)
The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 