“The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear” (Mark 4:28).
The Kingdom of God is likened here to the way the ground causes the seed in it to germinate. The new shoot’s germination occurs in definite stages: blade>ear>full grain. “By itself” (automatē) literally refers to the automatic growth built into every seed when it’s planted in the right soil. Beloved, our Lord teaches an awesome Kingdom principle here. Yes, we must desire to grow, but actually the seed-word in the soil of our hearts under the anointing of the Holy Spirit has a life of its own! That means you’re set up for automatic growth! We’re designed to develop, increase and grow. Don’t stress about your spiritual growth. Don’t panic about the church’s development. Don’t worry about your ministry’s progress. Just receive the Word of God heartily. Just cherish every Rhema that proceeds from the mouth of God. Just embrace the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Then you can’t help but grow–steadily, progressively, irreversibly. That’s the way of the Kingdom!
Pastor Josh