Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?  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

This is another parable where Jesus is likening the kingdom of God to seed. Since this is the third time in one chapter it is mentioned, the Holy Spirit must think “seed” and what it produces is quite important. This time Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed.

I have never seen a mustard seed. I don’t know if I have ever seen a mustard plant either. The writer says this plant grows up to be the largest in the garden even though, as a seed, it starts out as the smallest. It makes me think that it could be easily overlooked, perhaps undervalued.

This is also another of Jesus’ parables that He spoke to the multitudes (who were not getting it), which later He did explain to those who were following Him in earnest. One of the most sobering things about the Truth is that it is a narrow passageway, through which the scripture say, few will enter. On the other hand it says that many who travelled along a broader path will end up in a place of destruction. This is not good news to everyone. In fact, in our “rights-oriented” culture, this comes across as flat out discriminatory. I too might draw this conclusion if the Truth had not made Himself known and offered Himself, at great cost, as that narrow path.

Warren Buffet has made a fortune betting on the values of companies that others were overlooking. It has been his counterintuitive instincts and actions that have distinguished him as one of the few really great investors. I believe Jesus is saying that we are inclined to overlook and undervalue His kingdom. I believe He is saying that if we have ears to hear and act upon His investment council that we will have a radical return on our investment; a return that will be above and beyond our wildest expectations.  My instincts are telling me that the kingdom will not only pay dividends in heaven; it is paying dividends now. I have no doubt that the kingdom of God will give me the best return over the longest period of time. A few are going to get this.  Many are not. So, I pray….

Father, give us ears to hear and hearts to act upon the kingdom opportunities (in the lives of those around us) this day. Help us see where we are squandering our talents on kingdoms we (or others) are attempting to build. Help us to slow down and take a closer look at the soil of our souls to see if we cannot identify that small kingdom seed that You have planted. Let this tiny overlooked seed grow and mature in our hearts so that we may become a source of healing and refuge for many. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth (in our hearts) as it is in heaven. Amen.

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