April 14, 2024
Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” -
Mark 4: 30-32 (NKJV)
The mustard seed is very tiny. It is so tiny that it is difficult to hold a single mustard seed in between your fingers without it falling off yet, it has the potential to grow into a plant that is about ten feet tall. In the text, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed which when planted, grows to its full potential and creates a resting place for the birds of the air to rest.
The mustard seed represents the power of small beginnings be it our faith in God, our lives and even the establishment of Christianity. The Son of God - one man born in a manger changed the trajectory of our lives by dying on the cross. He was born into a family of a carpenter yet; He grew into the role that God gave to him and fulfilled His destiny through the shedding of his blood on the cross of Calvary. Just one man and his twelve disciples took it upon themselves to spread the Gospel and two thousand years later, we are recipients of the benefits of the promise they fulfilled.
Having faith as tiny as the mustard seed, even in the direst of circumstances, can produce results that are ten feet tall!
The inclusivity of Christianity and the word of God can also be drawn from this parable. Verse 32 of the text says that birds of the air may nest under its shade. The kingdom of God is a resting place for all regardless of race, gender or religion. God’s arms are always open to everyone, and it is our duty as Christians to show kindness to our neighbours and strangers alike. The size of the plant that the mustard seed produces is not as huge as the palm trees, but it still offers its branches.
Do not wait till you are successful to extend grace to others. Hebrews 11 verse 1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Having faith even when the present circumstances are not favourable can be difficult, but it is doable. Many of the great prophets in the Bible held on to faith - Daniel in the Lion’s den, Moses in Egypt, Elijah against the worshippers of Baal and so many more. Having faith as tiny as the mustard seed, even in the direst of circumstances, can produce results that are ten feet tall!
The world as we know it was created through the word of God. The invisible yet seen God of hosts is always in the business of expanding what others consider insignificant into magnificent. Do not let the present situation pull you away from God. Tough times should draw you close to Him. Your faith is your seed, let God be God and do the rest.
Song of Worship
Dependable, Dependable God– 1x.
It doesn’t matter what comes my way, you are still God- 1x
Intentional, intentional God– 1x.
Everything is working out for my good– 1x.
Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be born again through Jesus Christ. A sacrifice so great, a blessing that our generations to come will benefit from. Give us the grace to look beyond our present circumstances to the cross regardless of the evidence before us, Amen. May we extend kindness to others as you have always done to us in Jesus' name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13