Mark 4:30-4130And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. 33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. 34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. 35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:30‑41)
“AND HE SAID, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which... becometh greater than all herbs....”
If, as we previously noted, the world cannot understand how the Spirit of God works and brings forth eternal fruit, so too it is amazing to see how that seed, at first so very small, was destined of God to grow into a great and fruitful tree. It is now nearly two thousand years since the cross of Calvary, and the work that started with a little handful of disciples has grown until it covers most of the earth. But in the spread of Christianity, the “fowls of the air... lodge under the shadow of it” too. Counterfeit followers now sit in the branches and lodge in the benefits of Christianity, but how like the birds that have ever plagued the toiling farmer — their greatest achievement is to spoil the fruit and when there is no further benefit to their greed they fly away. The Devil has sent many birds “into the tree” and we need to ever be on guard against them, for they will rob and spoil the precious fruit if they can do so. If we will weigh all things in the light of God’s Word, the difference between the true and the false will soon be revealed, and we will wisely leave alone those who, though professing to be part of Christianity, are really imposters.
“And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” The narrative of the ships crossing the sea, the threatening storm, and the Lord’s intervention for His own, is a most touching and encouraging one for all who know Him as their personal Saviour. Are we not also “passing over unto the other side?” Yes; and the sea of life is full of many experiences — some pleasant and some rough. Happy is he who has the Lord Jesus with him through it all.
“For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Isn’t this a most encouraging promise to us when things seem to go wrong and there is opposition from those who do not have our interests at heart? Ah, who is this One that will not leave nor forsake us? It is the very same One who was in the boat with His followers and said, “Peace be still.”
“And there were also with Him other little ships.” Do you not think that the happiest people on that stormy night were those who had Jesus in their own boat? The other little ships got safely across too, for He ever watches over all His own; but the ones who were closest to Him knew a special relief from anxiety and fear when they could hear His own voice speaking. Now it is certain that the Lord is going to see all true believers safely through to that heavenly shore, but the way is ever so much harder for us when we neglect to stay close to Him.
In our narrative the sea pictures the way of life and the wind speaks of Satanic power. But the Lord is over and above each and quickly hears the cry of His own.
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.” Ps. 145:18-19.
ML-07/07/1963