SCRIPTURE: Luke 13:18-21
The kingdom of God is this world as God meant it to be.
And that means us being (and living) as God meant us to be.
Jesus says that living like God, though appearing weak, is really powerful.
How can the act of forgiveness change a life?
How can patient, gentle love transform a person?
How can sacrificing myself improve someone else’s life?
How can standing up for justice and equity change a society?
How can generosity impact those in need?
How can praying for (not complaining about) improve the workplace?
How can a kind word calm a tense situation?
How can looking after the needs of others help?
These are rhetorical questions… though seeming weak, they have a HUGE impact!
The kingdom of God, like a tiny seed producing a big tree, will become a home to many birds.
The kingdom of God, like a pinch of yeast, will become a loaf that will feed many.
Never underestimate the significance of the kingdom life we were made for!
Never underestimate the strength of the King that made us for it!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Jesus, Your kingdom life has changed the world, and my life. Help me to see the strength of Your love, help me to join You in the life of Your kingdom. And may many birds perch in Your blessing!
Observation/Application
A small seed and yet a big tree. A small start with just a few disciples and yet today . . . . and the tree (of life) gives shelter and comfort and hope and food and peace and . . .
The yeast is put into the dough and it affects all of the dough. One man and yet . . . He has ‘infected’ the whole world. And that dough also is the food of life. Real life.
One small deed can change the world.
Many small deeds make a difference.
Never underestimate what you can do in His kingdom.
Remember the parable of the small boy on the beach throwing the starfish back into the sea and was asked why he was doing this since there were thousands stranded? It made a difference to the one he put back.
And so too it is with the kingdom of God. It continues to grow beyond measure and expectation and it makes a difference to all who are in it.
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in the glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You’ll spread His love
To everyone
You’ll want to pass it on
What a wondrous time is spring
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing
The flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You’ll want to sing
It’s fresh like spring
You’ll want to pass it on
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want the world to know
The Lord of Love
Has come to me
I want to pass it on
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want the world to know
The Lord of Love
Has come to me
I want to pass it on