The Kingdom of God. It’s something we’ve heard about, but do we understand it? If we apply what we know about kingdoms on earth, we aren’t going to begin to fathom the immensity. It’s a good start. Royalty. Crowns. Pomp and circumstance.
To help us understand, Jesus has given us a couple parables here. I’ve read them through several times, and I’m still a little fuzzy on what Jesus is telling us. Based on a previous reading in Mark, maybe I just need to listen more so that understanding will come.
What we should take away is that the Kingdom of God is a mystery. It grows independent of any human effort. We can’t be part of the kingdom by our actions. At harvest time, the farmer (God) will come and make his judgment over his crops (us). The harvest is a result of both gift and miracle, God’s work in us, not our work.
Do you feel God reigning in your heart? Are you growing in your relationship with God? It may be hard for us to see the growth, but God does. As we grow, we look around to help see that others are growing. We preach, teach, serve, and support each other. We should never stop growing or think we can’t grow any more.
We need to place our hope in the kingdom of God. The things of earth will pass away. What started from something small become something mighty. Three of the four gospels share the mustard seed parable. It is that important. Whether it becomes a shrub or a tree is irrelevant.
The kingdom of God is there to give us hope and encouragement. It is a refuge, a place for us all. While we may feel like our faith is small today, with nourishment and growth, we will grow into strong, fearless leaders and servants.
Let’s pray. Lord we thank you for these words that teach of your Kingdom. I thank you for the hope you promise. There is nothing I can do to earn the keys to your kingdom. I pray that you are preparing a place for me even now to be party of this sanctuary. Open the doors for me to teach and serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
