Today’s scripture: Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
It was fun to Google “mustard seed” and “mustard tree” for today’s entry. I was surprised to learn that — yup — a tiny seed really can grow into a whopper of a plant!
When Jesus said that’s how it is with the kingdom of heaven, I had to pause and wonder why he chose that example. I would have thought a mighty cedar tree, with its ability to supply timbers for the Temple, would have sounded more impressive. But, Jesus must have had a reason for choosing a mustard seed instead.
If we are Jesus’ flesh and blood reps on Earth, then it seems to me that we’re the embodiment of what others will view the kingdom of heaven’s inhabitants as supposedly being like.
To me, this appears to be a pep-talk. I can imagine some of Jesus’ followers thinking that their efforts aren’t ever going to amount to very much. Then he uses a common spice to encourage them.
How are we like mustard seeds?
We might feel small and insignificant at times, but that shouldn’t get us down. If we have even a mustard-seed-sized piece of God in us, then that’s all it takes to start growing up into something even more than we could ever imagine.
That “seed” can get cared for, nourished, and tended to in the presence of other believers. That’s one of the many great things about being connected with others. (Commercial time: Jesus MCC has many opportunities to be together. There’s also a new on-line Oasis.)
As we continue to grow and become mature — through personal connections, study, prayer, etcetera — we gradually become more and more like Jesus, the original “mustard seed” who grew into something quite mighty.
Thought for the day: Spice up your life by boldly becoming all that you possibly can be!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
Image sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed and http://ministeriocieloenlatierra.com/