The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of May 18
“He said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.’”
– Mark 4:30-32
In this passage Jesus is referring specifically to the growth of Christianity, which began small with just Jesus and twelve followers, but over 2,000 years has expanded into a worldwide religion.
However, we can also interpret this passage on a more personal level. The truth is, most days our role in the kingdom of God can look and feel inconsequential. After all, each of us is only one person, and most of us have a relatively limited circle of influence. In the midst of this pandemic, as many of us work from home and limit our in-person connection with others, we might wonder how we can possibly help to grow God’s kingdom on earth. Now more than ever though, Jesus challenges us to expand our imagination, because with Him and through Him, even our smallest, seemingly inconsequential actions can change the course of someone’s day, month or even their life.
Where can you plant your personal mustard seed today? Perhaps your “seed” is a phone call to check on an elderly neighbor. Maybe it’s a hand-written note slipped into the mail for a loved one across the miles. Perhaps it’s a prayer for all those working diligently and courageously on the front lines of this pandemic – health care workers, grocery store employees, mail carriers, those delivering take-out meals to doorsteps.
Whatever the size or scope of the mustard seed you plant today, have faith and confidence that Jesus can and will grow it beyond your wildest expectations. Through Him, all things are possible.
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my small gestures and using them to grow Your kingdom here on earth. Together with my neighbors around the world, I am grateful to be the Body of Christ. Amen.