Mark 4

There are several interesting parables in this chapter about what the kingdom of God is like. Each with similarities and differences, but I always get stuck here on verses 10-12 where Jesus says these are the secrets of the kingdom of God and that many will hear, but not hear, see, but not see.
I wrestle with the idea that God's message is a secret of some kind, as if God doesn't want everyone to know about his love and grace. But then I also think about how much of a mystery God is to those who have not experienced him. If you have not experienced God then it is hard to understand the peace he offers in the midst of life's storms. And similarly God's message does not hit home unless we have someone to help us understand it.
So the secret of the kingdom of God is not a secret we are to keep, but it is a secret that needs to be shared and explained. As Christians, it is our job to help those who don't see to SEE and those who hear to understand. The message of God may not be planted in someone's heart unless we will continue to sow the seed.