A Mustard Seed, Really?

A mustard seed? Really? Why not an acorn, which would produce a nice shade tree? Or perhaps some seed potatoes which would give us a nice harvest in the fall. But a tiny, lowly mustard seed, what's that all about? The mustard plant is well known of course for its hot-flavored seeds. Among seeds sown in a garden it is generally the smallest. As a plant though, it reaches some 10 to 15 feet in height! By autumn, the branches are so developed, birds have been known to take refuge in these plants (William Hendriksen, Commentary on Matthew) So what is Jesus telling us in today's parable (Mark 4:30-32)? The Kingdom of God would have a small beginning. Consider this: Jesus public ministry didn't start until he was 30 years old and lasted about 3 years through his teachings in villages and occasionally in Jerusalem. Yet tremendous growth was made despite its humble beginnings. The growth of the church in those early days after Jesus' death was amazing: 120 disciples grew to over 3,000 in one day (Acts 2:41-22), soon grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4), and continued to multiple in Jerusalem (Acts 6:7), throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (Acts 9:31). And today, we see the growth throughout the world! Jesus reminds us in this parable of how the "birds in the air come and nest in its branches". Jesus offers us rest for our weary souls. This wonderful, loving offer invites us to come to Him and enter His kingdom of rest. The kingdom of heaven continues to grow and spread out its branches to those who will accept it. I like numbers. If a "lowly" man like myself could share the gospel, and perhaps influence only one personal accepting Jesus Christ as their lord and savior in the next year, there would be two of us. At the same pace in five years, there would be 32 of us; 10 years 1,024, 15 years 32,768; 25 years 33,554,432. Wow. All it takes is for each person to bring one soul to Christ each and every year. Lowly me. Lowly mustard seed. Potential Kingdom Grower! You and I have access to the lowly mustard seed...we have the Word of God right at our fingertips. The Word, which is incorruptible, that lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23-25) We have the vision of Christ within us. We don't see the apple as whole...we look towards the seed and count the apples! We look towards sharing the Word to people willing to put the Kingdom first in their lives. The seed of the gospel will produce fruit, but only if it falls on good soil. We need to guard against allowing the cares of the world, temptation of material things, pleasures of life to take over our gardens. Any my friends, feel free to share this message. And if you'd you like to learn more, please reach out...I invite you to rest in this great tree called the Kingdom of God. A mustard seed? Really? Yes, really! Heavenly Father, I am weary and burdened. Please give me rest. Teach me to be gentle and humble in heart. Let me find rest for my soul. Amen. Going deeper: 1 Samuel 15:35-16:13 Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark 4:26-34