“What shall we say the kingdom of God is like…?   It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.  Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4: 30-32

What if we are that mustard seed? Each of us planted to do God’s work. To bring others to God, to grow in such away that others like the birds come and all find comfort – the shade.   Things to note.

This tiny seed that is planted it grows into a huge tree. I imagine not just an oak tree as one translator says, but a guango or cotton tree which are large trees in our neck of the woods. They are not only huge but exist for a long time, proving shade and food for animals. The ripe guango pods are eaten by animals.

If we are the seed, each of us is a different variety because of our uniqueness. We come with our own characteristics, our palm print,  our shy or bold personality, our past, our ethnicity, culture, economic status, and the biggy these days, our sexual orientation. We come wanting to be recognized for who we are and for what we bring in our uniqueness. That is good, as each us is meant to use our gifts to build the kingdom of God. Knowing who we are, is also understanding how to use ourselves and our gifts in the honour and glory of God. 

It also means each of us has the ability to grow to our full potential, like the mustard seed.  Mark 4:24 says the seeds are scattered.  Therefore we God’s people are to be found anywhere and everywhere.

A seed planted takes years to mature.  Some of us will mature before others. A tomato takes 3 months to mature while a hardwood tree takes 20 years or so.  Things take time. 

When a seed is planted it changes,  and so too do we as we grow in kingdom values, as we mature and understand ourselves.  Most of us have done the experiment of putting a corn or pea in a clear container against moist tissue and watch it grow. After 3 or 4 days you can no longer see the seed you planted. Yes you may see remnants (Testa or skin) but the actual seed that was planted no longer exists. It has changed.  We too change as we grow and become members of the kingdom.  Growth isn’t always smooth sailing. But as we grow and remember we are planted for God by God we also remember that the strength of God pilots us. For the power of God preserves us. The wisdom of God instructs us.  The hand of God protects us. For The way of God directs us. The shield of God will defend us. The host of God will guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. Where God is, all is well. All will be well, all manner of things will be well.