SCRIPTURE: Mark 4:30-34
Why is God’s kingdom compared to something small and insignificant?
Jesus’ point is to show the huge potential contained within His message from God.
What He represents, what He has to say, what He is doing… has world-changing capability.
The way of God – which produces the world God intended – seems weak and foolish.
Love, serve, be patient, be generous, be forgiving, resist revenge, sacrifice yourself for others?
This is definitely NOT the way of the world as we know, which explains a lot.
Our world is not a place where people can “rest in it’s shade”.
But as weak, as foolish, as insignificant the way of Jesus seems, it is changing our world.
And one day the whole world will become like this, and all people will rest in it’s shade.
Until then, I have to decide whether I will accept this kingdom seed and allow it to work it’s ways in me, through me.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, today I choose to be patient, positive, helpful, generous, forgiving, servant-minded. May someone find rest in the shade of my kindness.
Observation/Application
Once again Jesus speaks in a parable – the mustard seed. A small seed which grows into a large plant almost 10 feet tall. Wow! And the birds can come for protection, shelter, food, rest.
God’s kingdom will grow like this plant and many will come both believers and non-believers. We need to take heed and open our eyes and see the growth that it is really on the straight and narrow. Knowing Him, may we also know the full intent of this parable as He explained it to His disciples.
Prayer
Open my eyes Lord in all of life that I may not only see You but follow You in all I do and say. Help me this day to find shelter, rest, food, protection in the tree of Life.
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!