So Small

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field.  It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

The mission of the Pioneer 10 was to reach the planet of Jupiter. Launched in 1972, the probe set out on its three year, 700 thousand mile journey. Twenty-five years later, more than six million miles from the sun, the little probe was still beaming back radio signals to scientists on earth. With only an 8-watt transmitter, it continued its mission far beyond expectations. Those eight watts…about enough to power a bedroom night light.

How often have any of us complained that we don’t have enough influence to make a difference? If only we had more time, or more finances. If we had the gift of public speaking or the talent of a remarkable singing voice, we could certainly be used for God’s glory. Beyond that, we all wish for more faith. We hope that God will boost our faith high enough to perform great miracles and people would certainly respond.

Yet Jesus doesn’t describe it this way. The powerhouses of this world are influential board who meet in offices designed by multi-millionaire architects, making more in a one hour lunch meeting than many do in an entire life of earning.

The misconceptions of influence beat us down until we think there is nothing we can offer. So, instead of living as if we are meant to make a difference, we move along to the next bit of pleasure that will at least fulfill our desire the feel something deeply. We don’t want to be pleasure-seekers; it’s just that we don’t see how our puny lives make much difference, anyway.

Jesus’ words counter everything we believe. He tells us that the smallest beginning elicits the greatest results. The kingdom of God is begun no bigger than a seed so tiny, you best cup your hand around it lest the breeze blow it out of your grasp. Not only that, He insists that, besides starting small, it also begins hidden underneath the soil.

That’s right. God’s kingdom, the Big One, the Universal Power that scattered the stars across the sky at the Big Boom; it’s that kingdom we are talking about. The kingdom that controls every comet and black hole, that manages the intricacies of the tiniest molecules, it is a kingdom that is begins so small and so hidden, that you probably walk over it without a conscious thought.

The Kingdom of God is like the last thing you would think of. Unobtrusive, dressed-down and humble, the Kingdom of God begins so silently that few notice it. We want grand announcements, ticker-tape parades, and gongs on Wall Street. We want regalia and gold, scepters and swords. We want a show of power that makes its enemies tremble and its subjects submit without a moment’s hesitation.

Instead, Jesus tells us the tiniest seed is the best metaphor for His kingdom. Not a mustard seed shown of on a gold necklace around someone’s neck, but a seed trampled, hidden underneath the sod. Once planted, it is invisible and unnoticed. For all intents and purposes, the seed is gone! Dead! Buried!

But that is exactly how Jesus wants us to think. Every time we believe the church has had its day and those people “out there” are winning, from somewhere entirely unsuspected, God raises up His kingdom again. Please don’t mistake “God’s kingdom” for “the church I attend”. My church may be part of His kingdom, it may have subject of its kingdom in attendance, but it is not the measure of God’s kingdom. The cultural group that meets once a week on Sunday is not necessarily the evidence for how healthy God’s kingdom is.

Do not throw away your desire to be part of God’s plan here and now. The only qualifications are being next to nothing, and a willingness to be ignored. The world’s kingdoms are run by people who seek the limelight and insist on gaining attention. Who will you believe? Which kingdom will you belong to?

Because, in the end, that little seed which is buried underground becomes “the largest of all garden plants.” The particular mustard plant Jesus referred to often grows to over 10 feet tall. He says the birds make nests in its branches.

Today I read an article that suggests Christianity is dying in the United States. Atheism and other religions are outpacing historic and evangelical Christianity. That does not concern me. Jesus made it clear that His kingdom is rarely seen as a majestic oak or tropical palm. The kingdom of God begins with a tiny non-descript seed and, with nothing but God’s nourishment, grows into a garden bush where people can find a place to find the connection we all desire.

Throw away your “grow it big in 30 days” mentality, and instead, begin to believe that even with the tiniest of beginnings God can truly establish His kingdom.