Small is Big

In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³² Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

I was talking to someone today from another Church family who expressed what I think most of us at times feel.  He said, "Some times I see how big the needs are in our community and world and I think anything I can do is too small, so why try?" I can relate to that.  And that is why I am so glad Jesus explained that the Kingdom of God operates by a different way of thinking.  

In the Kingdom of God, which is at work through the Holy Spirit in and through the Church (and by Church, you know I do not mean a building but we the people), the smallest of seeds grow and grow and grow to become more than any of us could ever hope or imagine.

I was reminded of this reality this week as I heard several of you share about your gift bag delivery experience.  Each person shared how amazed they were at how that small act of encouragement helped people open up to them.  One couple gave their bag to a man they had never met in a restaurant.  They not only learned his story of struggle, but had a spiritual conversation with him about how if God would care enough to lead them to meet, he must have something more in mind for him.  Another woman shared about how she gave it to a neighbor with whom she had a dispute.  First the neighbor sent a text of thanks and then later the neighbor, who had not talked to her for sometime, was having a conversation with her that was positive.  A third person shared how the person she gave it to said thanks and shut the door.  A few seconds later, she opened the door, went out to her, hugged her as she said, "It is people like us that make this place better or easier to get through." 

See it!  There it is!  That is the Kingdom of God...the world looks and sees nothing big...in fact, its just a little white bag, but in the hands of the Body of Christ through his spirit, that little mustard seed is going to grow and touch people in ways that we will not know about this side of heaven.

It is not just true of seeds and bags, but of every small word, act of love, gift of generosity, pat on the shoulder, time of listening, prayer lifted up...they all seem so small, but not in the Kingdom of God because it is not just us at work, it is Him at work in and through us and with Jesus small is always BIG!