Jesus declared - the Kingdom of God is at hand. He is making all things new and so we join in - loving, serving, sharing, giving etc.
The Kingdom of God is like a seed - small, seemingly insignificant, yet it is God’s rule and reign growing. Much of this growth happens unseen, in secret, but we can be assured that God’s Kingdom is unstoppable.
God is the sower - scattering Kingdom truth in, around and through us. As disciples our task is give that seed space to grow - be good soil - and to nurture that seed around us.
But in other ways we are the sower - joining in with what our Father in Heaven is up to. His business is the resurrection business, and we are invited to invest with our whole lives.
To grasp the scale of this generous Kingdom it can be helpful to refer to the 5 marks of mission that invite our participation:
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
- To teach, baptise and nurture believers
- To respond to human need by loving service
- To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
But we also need to be wise. In the parable of the sower some of the seeds that are scattered are snatched away - and this is a reminder that we are in a spiritual battle. Satan and his forces are at work stealing, spoiling and destroying.
Discipleship is about the seeds.
But what do you see as you look at this image?
As you talk with Jesus what is He teaching you?
Are there particular Bible verses that you find helpful in the light of this image, or is there a part of the scriptures that further illuminates this icon?
Here are some bible passages that we believe are at the heart of what this icon is all about.
- Isaiah 61:1-2 (or 1-3 - The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
- Mark 4:30-32 - Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’
- Luke 10.5 - “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
- Matt 28.19 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Galatians 6.7-10 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Questions and Practices: How can we live in the light of The Seeds?
It is important that these Icons don’t just invite us to reflect but that they move us into action. Below you will find some practices to be explored on your own or in groups and some questions that you and others may wish to reflect upon:
As you reflect upon the seeds - what is God sowing in your life at the moment and are you letting it bear fruit?
Everyday is a new day with a pocket load of seeds! Why not ask every morning - Who is God leading me to so that I can share God’s love (Luke 10:6)?
Are there people of peace - people who are warm towards you - who God has been working within in readiness to hear His good news?
When you listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit are there particular tasks or things that need to be shared with people around you?
God cares deeply for the whole of His creation - the marks of mission are a helpful reminder of the scope of His Kingdom and concern - which of the 5 do you most need to practice at the moment? Is there an opportunity to respond to one of the 5 now?
These marks of mission point out to us the impact that we often have on the world around us - over consuming and abusing creation. It may be that simplifying our lives would be a good response to this?
When you watch the news - is there a need or an issue that the Lord is asking you to commit to intercede for?
When you look at the resources that you have available to you - are you living generously? Are you blessing the poor?
When it comes to living as a missionary - do you have the courage and hope that you need - or do you need to pray for more?
Where is God calling you? Does the Lord have a particular people group or place that he is wanting you to go and live in?
How are you going to practice the seeds?
How are you going to practice The Seeds?
