Not Insignificant

Read Matthew 13: 31-35

Here is another of his illustrations: "The kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but becomes the largest of plants, and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter."

Matthew 13:31-32. (TLB)

David R. Schultz lives in Illinois. Wanting to get a birthday present for his mother, David walked a mile to the nearest mall and stopped at a department-store jewelry counter. Everything under the glass was either unappealing or more than David could afford with the earnings from his paper route. David found more affordable options on a revolving rack of charms on top of the glass case. A gold charm wrapped around a tiny glass bubble caught his eye. Sealed inside the bubble was a round, brownish speck. The label indicated it was a mustard seed. David remembered that Jesus had compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, so he bought the charm.

Years later, David re-read Jesus' parable of the mustard seed and remembered that glass-encased seed. If the seed had been released and planted, it could have spouted and became a flourishing plant.

Jesus compared God's kingdom to a mustard seed. Because David is a part of God's kingdom, he is like a mustard seed too. David may be small, but he is not insignificant. He has received life - and more - from Jesus Christ. David has the potential to sprout and grow, as any seed would. And as David grows, by the grace of God he can provide hope and shelter for those around him. So can each of us.

Prayer: Liberating Christ, free us from the things that keep us from sprouting and growing so we can provide hope for others, in Jesus' name. Amen.