Small but Significant
Posted by Karah
Pause
Take a few minutes to look out the window or walk outside. Gaze at the trees and plants. Thank God for the ways creation points you to Him.
Read Matthew 13:31-33 in your Bible.
“He presented another parable to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.’”
—Matthew 13:31-32
Ask yourself:
-What two items does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to in these verses? What does that help you to understand about the kingdom of God? Explain.
-How much of the flour did the yeast spread through? Why is that important to note?
-The intention of a parable is to use a story to teach one main truth. Knowing that, what truth does the mustard seed and the yeast teach you? Write it in your own words.
-What do these verses help you understand about God’s kingdom? Explain.
Respond
Though His message seemed unimportant and His group of followers was small, Jesus declared that His kingdom would spread throughout the world. In baking, the work of the yeast can seem insignificant, slow, and small; yet, the tiniest amount of yeast causes entire loaves of bread to rise. How do you see Jesus at work in your heart, even in small ways? How is He changing the way you think or act? Praise God for the ways He is at work in your life, even those no one else might notice.
Mull over recent headlines or events in the news. It’s easy to think that the gospel has no power in today’s world, but God is still at work. Ask Him to open your eyes to how He is working to advance His kingdom. Pray that He would guide you to ways you can join Him in that work.
For further study about how God’s kingdom grows, read 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.
Behind the Story
By itself, a mustard seed seems insignificant. Throughout the ancient world, mustard seeds were known for their miniscule size. But when God grows them, He creates magnificent trees that provide shelter for other creatures. This parable shows how God can take the smallest of items and produce great results for His kingdom. Just like yeast permeates the entire dough of bread and affects it, God’s work is not confined by fences, state borders, or human laws. His reign knows no boundaries.
The Point
The kingdom of God will have an incredible impact and its message will pervade the entire world.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions