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
The kingdom of God is like the small mustard seed and yeast. From small overlooked natural things comes great blessings, large shade trees and delicious bread to sustain life. It seems the Creator is focused on the blessings of small, overlooked people and things. God seeks out the outcast, the lost, and those who are regularly overlooked rather than the beautiful, powerful and wealthy. The kingdom of God is like the small acts of love that blossom into great, life-changing events no one anticipated. If we are looking for God's kingdom, let's start in the hidden and small places, the people and places not in the limelight but in the shadows.
Wondrous Creator, you abide with us in our humble places
you watch over us as we sleep in our messy little rooms
and you make us your people even when we are the outcast.
We get dazzled by beauty, fame, power and lots of money
but you told us not to seek you in those shallows places
since you will be found in the every day, simple places.
Let us be mustard seed and yeast today, offering our small gifts
trusting that you will breathe your spirit into what we offer
and bless the world and all will be welcomed in your kingdom. Amen.
