The God of Small Things
Opening Prayer
Great God, I’m grateful that You see things as they really are, not as others might want them to be.
Read Luke 13:18-30
[18] Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? [19] It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” [20] Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? [21] It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” [22] Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. [23] Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, [24] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. [25] Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ [26] “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ [28] “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. [29] People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. [30] Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is Jesus saying about the Kingdom of God here?We live in a world where big things are considered the most important. We talk about how many people come to our church or a particular event. We seem to think that size is what really counts. Jesus turns that upside down in his two parables, however. What matters is not size but impact. Mustard seed and yeast may be small but they can make a difference that is far beyond their size. The kingdom of God is not like the world. How often do you feel insignificant, all alone and in a minority? Jesus indicates that is exactly how it will be. Many who seek to enter by the narrow door will be turned away. Instead, Jesus will be looking out for those who know him and are known by him. What small things in your life will help you to grow in your knowledge of Jesus? What is the significance of your time of prayer and study, those acts of kindness and care that no one sees? Remember that as we devote ourselves to demonstrating the kingdom of God, we will know the growth and influence that only God can bring.
Apply
Read again the questions in the last paragraph and ask God what you should do to demonstrate his kingdom today.
Closing prayer
Lord, keep me aware of the things, big or small, that are really significant in life. May Your values be my values.
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