Today we are reading from Mark 4: 30-34:

30 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

We’ve seen in the last few parables that so much of growth is beyond our control.  The sower couldn’t control where the seeds fell. The farmer didn’t know why the crop grew. So much of this can leave us feeling like there is nothing that we can do.  So much is beyond our control.  So much is beyond us. 

So today, we see the mustard seed. We see this is a small seed, but when it grows, it becomes a huge tree.  This is what God’s kingdom is like. This is how God works.  This is how God moves. 

It’s not always through the big things.  Often, most often, it’s through the small things. God always uses the small.  He always used the unseen. He always uses the faithful.  It’s always the small things that God chooses to bless and do great things with.  

We are told this week that so much is beyond our control.  But we do control if we are faithful with the small things.  Prayer. Reading scripture.  Serving others.  Worship. These seemingly small, insignificant things are how God will change the world. 

The small mustard seed has a huge impact.  So does our small, hard to notice faith.  These small things will change the world.  Let’s be faithful today, in the small things.  And see what God does.  

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