The Smallest of All Seeds
Matthew 13:31-32
(On Fridays, to paid subscribers, I write the “Red Letters to a Weary Soul.” We are taking a slow journey through the statements of Jesus.)
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Matthew 13:31-32
A seed doesn’t seem like much, but it is a giant miracle. A few months ago, I preached a sermon about seeds, and this is one of the things I learned: A single seed carries within it the exact blueprint to transform humble soil and water into nourishment. Even with infinite resources, we cannot make food from dirt.
A friend of mine, Darrel Frater, recently wrote his first book, Micro Obedience Macro Impact, and it is about our small acts of obedience that can become massive outcomes for God and ourselves.
Small things become ginormous things in the Kingdom of God. This is what Jesus is saying. Look at this tiny seed, and what it becomes, the largest of the garden plants.
It’s not just that the tree becomes large, but notice how Jesus finishes the parable, and birds come and make nests in its branches. These small things become big things for others. The birds make a home because this seed was planted.
I wonder what the mustard seed in your life is now? What is the small thing, a micro obedience, that God can use to grow into something bigger, something beautiful, something holy and generous for yourself and others?
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, Zechariah 4:10.
God is doing something big in your life, but it starts small.
Love,
Aaron
