DON’T DISCOUNT THE SMALL

Today we have two parables about the kingdom of God. The first, about the mustard seed which grew into a large tree accommodating many birds, underscores a simple truth – there is room in God’s kingdom for all. There is room for a wide variety of understandings and experiences; room for a wide variety of styles of worship, all kinds of people; room even for all the nations and peoples of the world. It is a mistake to try to standardize the Christian experience or expect that others will duplicate our own spiritual journey. This is one of Luke’s most cherished themes – that there is room for everyone in God’s kingdom, from the youngest to the oldest, richest to poorest, upper classes to those of no social status, and every ethnicity and nation. We see examples all throughout Luke and Acts.

A second message is about the power of small things. The mustard seed is one of the smallest of seeds, but it grows into a large tree. In that world, mustard is not a garden herb but a field plant, easily capable of growing into a tree up to 2–3 yards high. Birds often cloud around such trees, for they love the little black mustard seeds.

In similar fashion, the yeast that works through all the dough is a picture of the power of something that starts very small. God’s kingdom starts from a small beginning and often works unseen, just like yeast works its way through dough, and yet the end result is powerful – just as the dough becomes a bubbling mass and grows tremendously in size as the yeast has its effect. Likewise, God’s kingdom often begins quietly within us, yet it goes on dramatically to change our lives.

Invite God to build His kingdom in and through your life today, in both large and small ways.