Isn’t it great to watch a small child grow into a responsible, hard working adult? We don’t start out in this life mature. It is only with time and the application of wisdom that we grow strong and productive. A seed must be cared for, fertilized in order to grow into a strong flowering plant. A child must also be cared for, taught the wisdom of life, and loved in order to grow into a strong, loving, beautiful and wise adult.
Mark 4:30-34 (TNIV)
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
I am proud of both my daughters, Jessica and Shannon. I remember when they were babies and I remember every step of their growth. They both learned many lessons in life and grew in many ways. Jessica put herself through college, is now married with two children and works hard every day, sacrificing for her family. Shannon spent a few years in the Air Force, is now a full time student putting herself through college (as is her husband), is married and has two children….sacrificing for her family.
But…they started small, like a little seed, had an heart to learn and understand, applied lessons over time and have grown into beautiful people that love and are deeply loved. Yes….I am proud!
I find it interesting that Jesus is explaining here to the disciples that the kingdom of God, indeed, the kingdom of heaven is like this. It started with a small beginning (Jesus, the twelve disciples and a few hundred followers), and grew and grew, producing huge results.
I also find it interesting, even AMAZING, that we often think of the church as an organization when in fact it is the people of God, indeed Christ followers. As they grow in relationship with Jesus, applying and living the Gospel message in their lives…..so the number grows of people who have found the love of Christ in their lives…and so the kingdom grows. From humble beginnings, just as Jesus said, it has grown into a worldwide community of believers and followers of the one God, most high….Jesus.
Your faith, no matter how small, can join with the faith of others to accomplish much in this world. Grow in your faith as a child grows, indeed, as my children grew….grow in wisdom, hard work and faith. My children, in my mind, are a part of the restoration of this world to the way in which God intended it….
a world where people love God and love each other. And as they pass this on to their children….the goodness and love multiplies.
Seeds often stand dormant for many years….so, no matter what age you are or where you are in life….as you decide that it is time to grow….START GROWING….THERE IS DAY LIKE TODAY TO START GROWING. Let God water you with His love, let Jesus fertilize you with His wisdom and as you apply His love and wisdom to your life…..you will grow and blossom into more than you can imagine. BE a part of the restoration of this world. You have a place in the kingdom of God, indeed the kingdom of Heaven. Let Jesus take root in your life!