SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 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.” [Matthew 13:31-32]
God’s kingdom, the vision of the world as it ought to be, seems small and insignificant in this world, the kingdom of sin.
It seems an impossible dream, a utopian fantasy, as significant as a little seed.
God’s invasion of this world with this kingdom vision seems weak, insignificant, easy to ignore or reject (isn’t this the carpenter’s son?).
So small, easy to trample; so trivial, it’s like bird food.
And yet, when it takes root, watch out.

Martin Luther King held on to this mustard seed vision, and even though he died in the process, his eyes saw the glory of the coming of the Lord.
By faith he saw the seed sprouting, of little black and white children playing together, on the bus or going to the same school together.
And even though the devil trampled the seed, it continues to grow.
The wheat and the weeds grow side by side for the time being, but the time is coming when the weeds will be removed… and God’s kingdom will finally be revealed.

What we believe seems weak, counter-cultural, an impossible dream.
But this is God’s seed, God’s impossible dream, and nothing is impossible for God.
When I share the message of Jesus with non-Christians, I often feel like a dreamer, and the words seem hollow as I speak them.
But the strength of the message is not in me, but in the God that stands behind me.
This is God’s seed, and it is packed with God-potential.

The birds can come and perch in it’s branches.
God’s kingdom brings us back to God’s garden, the world as it was before sin.
The birds finding a safety and provision in the tree branches is a vision of utopia.
It reminds us of the trees in the new creation, whose leaves bring healing to the nations [Revelation 22:1-2].
This is what the kingdom seed that we sow today is leading toward.
I can imagine Jesus’ frustration in how people responded to His message.
He wanted to do so much for them, yet He could not because they did not believe.

Today’s reading was an encouragement to me as I engage in counter-cultural ministry in a multi-cultural neighbourhood.
Our efforts seem small, weak, insignificant – like throwing seed over the field.
Even though 3/4s of the seed does not survive (which is disturbing and sad), yet I can be encouraged that God will produce an abundant harvest.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. [1 Corinthians 15:58]

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this assurance that the seed, though small, is filled with Your potential. Renew my confidence in You and Your kingdom message!