Matthew 13:31-32 New International Version (NIV)
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Thursday, July 23 - Matthew 13:31-32
As I was growing up and when I graduated high school the message that our
American culture constantly preached to me and my generation was: “follow your
dreams and change the world!” The only place I ever heard anyone praising the
“normal, everyday” stuff of life was in the church. You know, the stuff like being a
loving parent or a devoted spouse. No one praised the “hidden” stuff of integrity,
honesty, patience and self-control. Jesus came and declared that God’s kingdom is
here right now and has actually always been here. You cannot go anywhere in this
world where God is not sovereign. However, his kingdom works in hidden ways. The
primary and most powerful way is through faith in our “hidden” savior, Jesus. I say
“hidden” because even though the name of Jesus is famous in the world his death
and resurrection still seem counter intuitive. Death on a cross looks a lot like losing,
not winning. This is why many like Jesus as a “good teacher” but not as their Lord or
God! Jesus is the “hidden” king of the “hidden” kingdom working in you to produce
amazing and abundant results of love, grace and mercy.