Readings for today: Matthew 13:1-53, Mark 4:1-34, Luke 8:1-18
I am blessed to be involved in several different Kingdom movements around the world. First and foremost, God is working powerfully through the church I serve in Parker, CO. PEPC is flourishing as she seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. She has put God’s mission first in her life and God has richly blessed us as a result. I’ve never been part of a church making a greater impact in the world for the gospel. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring. Second, I serve as the chair of the board of the Petros Network which has planted over 9500 churches in the Horn of Africa. We work with over 180 denominations at last count and through them, I’ve met some of the most amazing men and women who willingly offer their lives to spread the gospel. Third, I get to work with incredible immigrant leaders in my own community. They come from India and Latin America. The work they’re doing to spread the gospel among their own people is incredible. What these movements all have in common is they began small. They faced real obstacles along the way. They’ve often had to work with a skeleton staff on shoestring budgets. But God is faithful. The seeds we’ve planted are growing. They are becoming tall trees and many are coming to rest in their branches.
According to Jesus, the Kingdom of God often takes the form of a small seed. It may not look like much at first but after it’s planted and watered, God gives the increase. It grows and grows and the fruit is undeniable. Listen to how He described it to His disciples again. “He gave them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the wild birds come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 NET) I will admit it’s hard at the beginning. I know I’ve often grown impatient as I waited for the seed to take root and grow. I’ve sometimes become discouraged at the time and effort it takes to cultivate the soil and water the ground. But God is quick to remind me that there’s nothing I can do to make the seed grow more quickly. I have to be patient and faithful and trust God for the increase.
I can see that dynamic in pay in my own life as I look back over the years. I can also see it in my marriage which has grown in so many ways in the thirty plus years my wife and I have been together. I see it in my children right now. Two of whom are passionate followers of Jesus who are growing leaps and bounds in their faith. Two of whom who have walked away from their faith in Jesus and who are struggling in lots of ways as a result. It’s hard and heartbreaking at times to watch but I have to be patient as I wait for the seeds we planted as parents to grow. Where do you see this dynamic in play in your own life? With those you love and live among? Those you hang with and work alongside? Are you doing all you can to cultivate the soil and water the ground? Are you praying for God to give the increase?
Readings for tomorrow: Mathew 8:18-34, 9:18-38, Mark 4:34-41, 5:1-43, Luke 8:22-56, 9:57-62