Lenten Reader | Day 16

March 6th, 2021

Small

Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

- Luke 13:18-21

Powerfully small. I read the notes in my bible that pertained to this verse. They described how Jesus said his kingdom was starting out quietly. He did not come in like the conquering hero everyone expected him to be. He started out small, and like the mustard seed grew into a tree and like the yeast caused the flour to grow, so did his kingdom.

Small. I often feel small when given opportunities to share the Gospel. Am I going to say the right thing? What are they going to think of me? Will I know the correct scripture verses to use? I know that God has put that person in my path for a reason, but can I really make a difference? My story is not one of conquering some addiction or overcoming some great tribulation so how will I inspire people?

Powerfully small. When I search myself, I know the answer to those questions. Yes, I can make a difference. Yes, I can reach those people. Yes, my story is a great one because it is my story. Yes, I am small, but with God I am powerfully small. Small gestures can have a significant impact on others – spending time with that person, a kind word, praying with them, sharing your testimony, an invitation to church. Plant those seeds and watch them grow. When you do these things, not only will the kingdom of God grow, but also you inside of it. We are challenged to go out and make disciples of men. By showing God’s love, we grow stronger in our own relationship with him and then we can help support others, just like the branches of the mustard tree supported the birds.

-Dirk Foglesong