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 8000 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 presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 CSB) 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.
When I think back over the course of my life, I see a similar dynamic in play in my marriage and parenting. I see it my own personal journey as a believer. Perhaps you do as well? What seeds are being planted in your life right now? Where are you being called to wait and trust God for the growth? What are you working to cultivate in your marriage, family, career, or personal life? What fruit are you harvesting? In my experience, we are usually engaged on some level in all of these areas. Don’t let fear or discouragement disrupt the work of the Kingdom of heaven in your life!
Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 8:18-34, 9:18-38, Mark 4:35-41, 5:1-43, Luke 8:22-56, 9:57-62