Friends, this is the thirty-first day of our adventure in Mark; I hope you are sticking with me. I will keep going until I run out of Mark!
And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4:24-25
The Measure of Success
Notice these sayings are coming staccato, each starting with the phrase, “And he said to them…” This teaching comes right on the heels of, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:23)
This saying appears to pertain to one’s response to the Sower’s parable. If you are hearing me and genuinely listening, which will be reflected in your response, it will be the measure to which you will be held, and you will be entrusted with more. In other words, follow this, and you will see a bountiful harvest.
But if you are hearing me but not truly listening, which will be reflected in a lack of response, it will be the measure to which you will be held. There will be little or no yield!
For nearly ten years, I have watched people who don’t just sit in the pew on Sunday but apply what they have heard in the sermons. It was thrilling to look out at a church where nearly two-thirds of its membership is engaged in at least one ministry activity before the pandemic. The fruit was a 70% worship to membership ratio and a consistent influx of people to balance the losses of members to job relocation, retirement moves, and church family members graduating to the church triumphant. We have watched the average membership age drop into the mid-50s (young couples also bring small children) while keeping the ministries steady and solid financial support. Even during the pandemic, the church has added 21 new members; 15 of those are between 14 and 39 years old. There are more waiting in the wings!
This is the fruit of a church body hearing and responding to the words of the Master Sower!
Lord,
I am blessed to work in the field you have provided. Please help us get to the other side of this challenging time where 2/3 of this church family participates virtually.
I also pray for my colleagues in ministry, serving in fields all over the area and worldwide. Many are burned out and struggling to keep their congregations unified.
Let us all have ears to hear your gentle voice.
I pray this in the name of the Great and Good Shepherd. Amen!
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