"...like a mustard seed..." (Mark 4:31)

​     A mustard seed was believed to be the smallest of all the seeds, and in the days of this writing of Mark 4, it was the smallest seed used by Palestinian farmers.  Yet this very small seed grew to a mustard shrub that could have a height of 10 feet!  
     This tiny seed that grows into a large plant is used by Jesus to illustrate the growth of God's kingdom.  Small beginnings, yet great endings!
     Consider the people and things that start out small and insignificant, and end up having a powerful impact on people and nations!
     The birth of famous people like  J. S. Bach, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Jesus of Nazareth!
     The wars won that changed the future of nations, such as WWII, and others.
     The invention of electricity, all kinds of transportation, and so many other scientific discoveries.
      All these things began with one person, or one event, or one idea.
     And certainly the greatest example of small beginnings with great endings is that of God's Kingdom, beginning in the birth of the Baby Jesus, and in faith.  And ending in the eternal life celebrated in heaven by all of God's redeemed!
     Of course, the ultimate beginning of everything is God.  And He is not something small!  Yet He chooses to work in small, insignificant people and ways.  And it leads to huge and powerful results.  Like the word of God that created the world.  The birth of a baby that became Savior of all.  The waters of baptism that brings the Holy Spirit and saving faith.
     And God continues to create and grow His kingdom in what appears to be small and insignificant ways.  LIke in a word you or I say and it leads to faith and love in others.  Or an action that leads to comfort and hope given to many.  Or sharing resources that combine to help in so many ways.
   May you and I be "like a mustard seed" in all the ways that we can serve in God's Kingdom.  And in all of it, God will be at work!  Just as He makes a small seed grow into a large plant!  So may God accomplish His grace and love in each of us.

God Bless,

Pastor Steve