Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)
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.”
The mustard seed that is planted in this parable has two
inherent qualities. First, it is the smallest seed used by the Israelites, yet
it could grow into a plant as large as a tree. Second, the seed has pungent,
biting, burning properties. Both of these traits have significance as Jesus
compared a mustard seed to His kingdom. The mustard seed’s unusual growth is
unnatural, and so it is with believers as we grow in Christ. It is a
supernatural growth, both in individual believers and in the Church worldwide –
the Church that provides shelter and a haven for a lost world. Also, just as
the pungent, biting, and burning trait of the mustard seed is used in
seasoning, so the message of God’s kingdom is used in transforming society.
When I think of the smallness of the mustard seed, I think
of humility. God’s Word teaches us that He gives grace to the humble (James
4:6) and produces growth and power beyond human reasoning so that we can have
an impact on the world in which we are sown. When I look at my mustard seed of
faith I am reminded of God’s Word: If you have the faith as small as a mustard
seed you can say to this mulberry tree be uprooted and planted in the sea, and
it will obey you. (Luke 17:6) Jesus told this to his disciples after they asked
him to increase their faith. I can identify with mustard seed faith because at
times my faith seems so small. It is harder, however, for me to identify with
my mustard seed of faith as being able to move a tree! Yet this is what Jesus
says.
Our faith may be as small as a mustard seed, but like that
little seed, it can grow supernaturally into a huge tree by the power of the
Holy Spirit.
Perhaps you have looked at your faith as being so small you
might as well bury it and not bother to water it. Pray for God to increase your
faith, water it with prayer and the reading of God’s Word, and like the mustard
seed in the parable, it will grow. Remember that it only takes the faith of a
mustard seed to move mountains: I tell you the truth, if you have faith as
small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, move from here to there
and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20)
Thought for today: Do I limit my faith potential based on my
insecurities?
No comments:
Post a Comment