The Mustard Seed

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ Luke 13:18-30

Today, it is hard to imagine the nearness of God's reign for some of us. Oh, friends, sometimes it feels hard to continue on. Yet the world still needs the Good News, now more than ever. And the Good News we share, is that the smallest faith, as small as a mustard seed can and will become a sanctuary and shade, a robust gift to the world. The love we invest in others, the care and humility by which we live our lives blossom into tremendous gifts, no matter the time or circumstances we live in. Those who are willing to invest in love, no matter the season, will know abundance, sanctuary and shade in hard times.

Gracious Creator, you made the small mighty

you empower the least to take the place of honor

you give your heart to anyone who would ask

and bless us with abundance in every season.

We live in anxious, confusing times here

when inevitable change makes us fearful

we are weary from broken trust and hurts

and we want to run and hide from the world.

Strengthen us Lord, so we might plant seeds

seeds of love and seeds of abundant faith

make us strong to serve and to always welcome

so we might be sanctuary and abundance here. Amen.