Transformation, like the mysterious germination of a seed happens undercover, in secret, in the transforming presence of God.
I find great comfort in this. So often we think God’s love is dependent upon us saying the right things, in the right place with the right people, for all to see. Or at the very least getting it right as if there’s a certain formula necessary in order to guarantee a successful divine intervention based on how pleasing our petition is or how poetic our words might be. Whether it’s calling the press to cover a great donation to a charity, or proclaiming a prayer over the loud speaker in worship, or complaining how much discomfort we’re in as we fast, Jesus makes a point that this is not the way.