By: Craig Rippy

  You get what you deserve. You say, "That doesn't sound like grace." Well, I'm talking about God's grace meeting our faith. Jesus says as recorded in Mark 4:24-25, "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you-and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." (NIV)

These verses are in the middle of the Kingdom Parables found in Mark chapter 4. Prior to this is the parable of the Sower.

The parable of the sower tells us there are four types of soil. Of course, the soil represents the heart and the sower is the communicator of the Gospel. Yet, the one who knows the condition of each heart is God. He is also the one who measures out spiritual understanding based upon the person's desire to know.

The Father measured to the Apostle Peter spiritual understanding. Peter had answered Christ's question, "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16 - NIV). After Peter answered correctly Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven (Matt. 16:17 - NIV).

Biblical knowledge is one thing, to have spiritual understanding is another. To know the books of the Bible, be able to quote passages, or to rattle off commentary about Scripture can be done by anyone. To spiritually understand and apply the Scripture is given in measure by the Lord.

"With the measure you use," states that we have to want what God has to give. Also, we need to use it for the intended purpose or God isn't going to give it to us. If we use what He gives He will give us more.

God knows the heart (Acts 15:8). God is the one who causes spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:5-9). God is the one who justifies (Rom. 3:26). The point is, God recognizes our attention to spiritual matters and measures unto us in accordance to our desire to know and serve Him.

Mark chapter 4 and Matthew chapter 13 both have the "Kingdom Parables." These parables teach the importance in seeking His Kingdom. First, its worth the effort to seek admittance into the priceless Kingdom, and be willing to give all you have to enter it (Matt. 13:44-46). Second, Kingdom citizenship is richly rewarded, but being detached from the Kingdom is penalized (Matt. 13:41-43). Third, Kingdom growth brings about benefits to all who are seeking it's blessings (Mark 4:30-32).

An interesting thought, which I think you should consider, is that most who have the opportunity to enter the Kingdom fail to enjoy the blessings. The parable of the sower reflects this. There are four types of hearts/soils. Each may have the seed of the Gospel cast upon it. Some will ignore the message (Mark 4:14-15) and Satan will snatch the seed away. The second soil is rocky and even though the seed is quickly accepted the resulting plant has no root system to help it survive the climate. After the new convert faces trouble, due to the life the Gospel demands, they quickly fall away (Mark 4:16-17). The third soil represents the heart that is cluttered with selfish ambition and greed. They accept the Gospel ~for fire insurance~ but remain inactive. Instead of seeking Kingdom things they seek worldly stuff and are stressed by it (Mark 4:18-19). The fourth soil/heart is the sincere seeker. They accept the Gospel, prioritize their live's accordingly, and serve God acceptably.

If one were to consider the four soils it would seem only 25%, one out of four, who hear the Gospel sincerely seek the spiritual things of God. God measures back into their lives blessings, because they use what has been given by His grace.

What do you want measured to you? It will be evident by your faithful service in God's Kingdom. How is that? When God measures out understanding, wisdom, gifts of service, love, kindness, etc., the blessings will be recognized by those experiencing your service. Also, you will be blessed by a greater measure of grace as you seek Kingdom things (Matthew 5:33).