Mustard Seed Kingdom

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?  How can I illustrate it?  It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”   Luke 13:38-39

Are you planting mustard seeds or collecting them?

Are you planting mustard seeds or are you worshipping them?

Mustard seeds are incredibly small, even by seed standards.  Yet God uses it in scripture with vivid impact.  Mustard seed faith!  Remember in Matthew 17?  Here in Luke, I am confronted with mustard seed patience because I’m human and I judge the worth of my output by the fruit.  And if the fruit is slow to appear, it must reflect badly on me.

Yet, Jesus clearly explains a process – a good one – that will require an abundance of patience.  Even considering the rapid rate at which a mustard tree can grow compared to others, it would be several years before it became the tree of my imagination.  The mature mustard tree can reach twenty feet in height and its fruit contains innumerable new seeds.  The potential for multiplication is clear.

However, as with any growth, the seed does nothing sitting in a jar or packet on your shelf.  It must be planted. It must have the opportunity to be exposed to warmth, light, water and shifting of seasons to grow and send down strong roots.

What are we doing with our mustard seeds?

Are we waiting for prime conditions?  Keeping them safe to avoid the potential lack of growth, or even death, of a plant?

The Kingdom of God is the seed planted. God and nature take course from there and the result is fullness of life.  If you are a believer in God, a believer in the resurrection of Christ, then the Kingdom seed is yours, it is in you.  But if you put your efforts into protecting it, your time into privately glorying in it – you miss the point.  The Kingdom of God is the seed planted.

So, when I hold mustard seeds, taking in their size and ability to easily get lost in the fray, I wonder if I have the courage to plant.  The patience to wait on the result.  And the confidence in Christ to know that the outcome is not a reflection of me, but of God’s good sovereignty.

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I recently had a chance to hear Genavieve Linkowswki at a conference as she led worship. I hope you enjoy her voice and let her lead you in a moment of remembrance before God. Firm Foundation - Cody Carnes & Maverick City Music (cover) by Genavieve Linkowski w/ Mass Anthem

Breath Prayer: (Breathe In) Lord, give me the courage

(Breathe Out) to faithfully sew what You have given me