Today's Reading
Genesis 33
Luke 13:10-30
Luke 13:18-21
Then Jesus said, "what is the kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in it's branches." He also asked, "what else is the kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast of a woman used in making bread. Even though she puts only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough."
Observation
Jesus was pulling no punches in making sure he destroyed the conventional wisdom of the day. A wisdom that said the messiah would come in might and in power to set Israel free from the oppressive regime of Rome. Jesus, however, proclaimed that he wasn't coming big, but rather small and in an unassuming way. He would grow, but it would be in a different way than anyone could have ever expected.
Application
Conventional wisdom still says, "only the big can be effective in changing the world." However, the Bible tells us this isn't the case. "Despise not the small beginnings," wrote the prophet Zechariah. Don't get me wrong, big is certainly not bad, but neither is small.
The problem with thinking only the big succeed is anyone who hasn't reached the level of big, is tempted to sit back and do nothing, becoming like the wicked servant in Matthew 25. They key, then, is to be faithful where you are, even if it seems small, and let God bless the efforts.
Prayer
Lord, let me be faithful right where you've planted me. Help me never to back down from the vision you've planted in me because I don't think we have enough or are big enough. Help me to pursue one thing...obedience to your call.
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