THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 4:30-34
“It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.” (Mark 4:31)
The message of Jesus seems weak and insignificant.
Love, humility, self-sacrifice, servanthood, forgiveness – can that really change the world?
The dominion of darkness seems so much more powerful, and even seems to be winning.
Often many christians seem more awed or troubled by the dominion of darkness.
But God stands behind this message, and that gives it weight.
I’m reminded of the words of Gamaliel, a Jewish leader who warned against persecuting the early church.
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
If this seed is from God, you will not be able to stop it.
And history bears this out, where today Christianity is the largest of all religions.
All over the world people find shelter and protection in Jesus’ many branches.
This message would be hard for the disciples to imagine.
But Jesus patiently taught them, so that one day when the church was persecuted and trampled like a little seed, they could be encouraged.
God’s kingdom is coming, and many people will be blessed in it’s branches.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, remind me of the strength of Your kingdom when I am overwhelmed by the extent of darkness. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done!
I feel like a lot of us lately feel the darkness overpowering more than the goodness of Jesus. And what happens to the seed if it is not watered, receiving sunlight and being taken care of properly? The seed surley dies. It doesn’t flourish and grow to be that beautiful thing it was first created to be.
What gives followers of Jesus hope though is that when the world falls away and the darkness is overwhelming in our souls. Jesus moves the weeds and the thorns of life so that we can grow and be who he has called us to be. He is that ray of sunshine that out shines the darkest of hearts.
If one day our own church feels the persecution. The wrath, the discouragement and completely burnt out. That they remember they are all mustard seeds planted for a time such as this.
Observations/Application
God’s Kingdom, although very small in its beginning, will become the largest Kingdom for this is God’s world. Jesus came as a baby in the manger, grew up, taught, died, resurrected, ascended, reigns and His kingdom is still growing until one day, the earth is restored and He reigns. He reigns today be then all will know and all will serve and all will live in His presence because He is our SonShine and there is none other since He has the victory. His kingdom is here and now and one day will be complete. Our God reigns!
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news;
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness:
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Refrain
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
He had no stately form, He had no majesty
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him.
Our God reigns, our God reigns!