Small, but Large
Matthew 13:31-32
31 Yeshua put before them another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed which a man takes and sows in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up it is larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the birds flying about come and nest in its branches.”
Mustard seed... This is a seed many of us have heard about. Having lived in Israel I can testify that the plant becomes quite large. Bird can sit and rest (not sure about the "nest" part) on the branches. It is a beautiful plant when it is in full bloom.
The parable will be explained several verses later in the chapter, but I don't want to lump parables together. By separating them out I hope you can focus on what is said and how it is written.
Based on the fact we do not have an "explanation" right now, what can we determine from this parable on our own?
My personal take is to think that "seed" is important. We must be willing to sow seed. We must be willing to do work in the Kingdom.
Second, the seed may be small, but it doesn't mean that it won't grow large. Touched by Grace has a key phrase of, "Reaching the World One Person at a Time." For us it is not about having large numbers of people. We want to plant a seed in one, who then shares it with another, who then shares it with another... Multiply by individuals and making sure that they grasp what is said so they can take the message to others. Our goal is to let it grow more organically, than to push an agenda.
Last, the place should be safe for the seed to grow. A farmer will take care of his field and make sure that the seeds which have been planted will be taken care of. If he doesn't do this, the weeds will come and the crop is lost. If taken care of, the plants will grow and even the birds will find refuge. Spiritual food and physical food can be gained when a field is properly tended.
The question for us today is, "Are we willing to do the work?" Are you willing to find a place to plant a seed? Are you willing to help care for the field? Loving on one person can bring growth and expansion to the Kingdom. Don't be afraid to start small.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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