Are we there yet?

Introduction: “Are we there yet?” “What’s taking so long?”

Are we there yet God? What’s taking so long? Jesus preemptively answers these questions for his disciples and us today in these two parables. We groan with good courage in God’s kingdom.

In our waiting God is preparing

In our waiting God is growing

In our waiting God is present

In our waiting God is preparing

Reaping (Mark 4:29) - God will bring all his people home to his Kingdom

All People (Mark 4:32) - People from all nations will be in his kingdom

Judgement (2 Cor 5:10)- All people will be judged, his people will receive their reward

We will pass through judgement into God’s kingdom with people of every corner of the earth.

The plan belongs to the Lord

In our waiting God is preparing

In our waiting God is growing

Growing his people in his kingdom (Mark 4:27-28)

Mysteriously (Mark 4:27-28)

Subversively (Mark 4:31-34)

Uncoiling of selfishness from sin to see his glory

Through humility (small to great)

Through charity (welcome all people)

The power belongs to the Lord

In our waiting God is growing

In our waiting God is present

2 Cor 5:5-6

Spirit as a guarantee

This eternal deposit in our souls within a failing body

The Holy Spirit guides us to aim our life at pleasing God

Good courage

To keep pleasing him (2 Cor 5:8-9)

A life pleasing to God is pleasing for man.

If God is the most satisfying being, the most loving thing is him giving us himself

Heliocentric plants, Christocentric people -

We see Christ in his word

In the face of those we serve

In the sacraments.

Here we have a mystery. Open the bible, we are taught how to groan to God, long with him and we are grown mysteriously with these truths. We come to this table, this mystery, where God reveals himself and strengthens, us.

Are we there yet? We’re on our way. We groan with good courage in God’s kingdom.