Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Thoughts: Twenty-seven hymns in our United Methodist hymnal begin with the word “come.”  “Come” implies that we are welcome; we are wanted.  Some of the most familiar hymns are “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “Come, Thu Almighty King,” and “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
 
Today’s scripture contains some words that appear almost verbatim in the hymn “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” which we sing almost exclusively at Thanksgiving time. The second verse is the best.
 
              “All the world is God’s own field,
              Fruit unto his praise to yield.
              Wheat and tares together sown,
              Unto joy or sorrow grown.
              First the blade and then the ear,
              Then the full corn shall appear.
              Lord of harvest, grant that we
              Wholesome grain and pure may be.”
 
On Sunday morning, we see our precious little “blades” running down the aisle for the children’s time with Rev. Hal.  The “ears” blessed us with their stories of the college mission trip.  And we “full corns” must endeavor to be “wholesome grain and pure,” so that we may bring the harvest home.
 
Discussion:   What nugget from a sermon, what Bible verse, what Sunday School lesson has lived in your mind and your heart?
             
Activity:   Make one little blade your special friend.  Smile and call him/her by name when you say good morning.  Send your blade a birthday card.