Kingdom Parables - Unstoppable Growth (Daily Devotional)

Shalom and thank you for joining us for another episode of Living Supernaturally. Yesterday, we began a new series of devotions which we called as the kingdom parables. We looked at one of the parables yesterday and what we hope to do through this week is to look at some of the parables Jesus taught about the kingdom of God because it reveals to us mysteries about His kingdom. We spoke about how Jesus used regular, everyday imageries to speak truth to us because it is relatable, as well as it teaches us great lessons. Today's parable is taken again from Matthew chapter 13 and it's a familiar parable which is the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed which even though is small, grows into a large tree. We'll read this from scripture in Matthew chapter 13, verses 31 to 32, ‘the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.’ We see that Jesus looks at or brings about an analogy of what the kingdom of heaven is like which is like a tiny mustard seed, which even though is small; finally grows into a large tree where there are birds that can find shelter. This demonstrates what God's kingdom is about. God's kingdom is unstoppable and there is powerful growth that we can see. What do we learn about the kingdom of God from this parable? This illustrates that how something seemingly small, like the mustard seed and maybe even insignificant, grew into something vast and powerful. When we look at Jesus's ministry at first glance, Jesus's ministry appeared humble and unlikely to make a lasting impact. He had a few followers who probably lacked social status or wealth and it was from an obscure region of the world. His life and death drew very little attention maybe at that time much like a tiny mustard seed but it was God at work and we see that something small flourished into a global movement that no one could actually stop. The kingdom's influence grew so powerfully and continues to grow so powerfully that all who are connected with it really experience the blessings of that kingdom. Through this parable we also learn that the growth is not our work, it is the divine work of God. Just like the mustard seed that naturally grows when planted, even without the sower putting any kind of effort to it to expand, the kingdom of God grows the same way through the power of the Holy Spirit and not because of human efforts or human striving. So, while we are called to faithfully plant and nurture God's word, God is the one who brings that increase. It also reminds us that the kingdom of God may begin in ways that seem insignificant yet the growth is unstoppable and it is powerful. So, as you and I, faithfully plant seeds of truth, let's know that God is the one who brings the transformation to His kingdom. Let's pray together, Heavenly Father, we are encouraged that the little that we do and put in into the kingdom is going to have great impact because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Father God, we pray that you will teach us to be faithful to do our bit, to see the kingdom be impacted in a great way. Thank you Jesus, in your name we pray, Amen. Thank you for tuning in to Living Supernaturally, for more resources to strengthen your spiritual walk, please visit apcwo.org.