The secret of the kingdom of God.

Mark 4:10-12, And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.”

The gospel leaves no room for boasting, “For by grace are you saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” By nature, we are completely insensitive to the gospel, in fact dead to it. We understand it only because of God’s great gift to us, to open our eyes, unstop our ears and give life to a valley of dead bones. What can we do but pray that he will move in the lives of others and use us to further his good news?

We pray for those who do not know you, that you will grant them the gift of faith and use us where you can to bring them your gospel: the good news in Jesus Christ!

ESV Lectionary