This sunday I am preaching on Matthew 13:31-33; 41-52. I have been struggling with the text I have been given, and how it all ties together.
One of the things I am thinking about is how
1.) God uses the small and insignificant things
2.) Conversely, often the things of God seem small and insignificant to us until we know what it is
3.) Kingdom things are not about immediacy. In fact, the greatest things in the world may seem small but insignificant for a long time. They may even go unnoticed by the rest of the world, yet those who live faithfully can be assured that the small things they do will bear great results, even if others do not notice it.
Please look up the passage and share your input and stories.
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4 comments:
Well, the way I look at those passages, particularly the first 4 verses, is that no matter how small something may be...it is very important.
The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast show us that although they seemed insignificant, they provided for everything. The mustard seed grew into the largest of plants, providing shade and a place for even the birds of the air a place to perch. The yeast, while it is just a tiny ingredient, if it weren't added to the mixture, the bread would be very small and without form.
So, these small things are what build up and strengthen everything around us.
God's littlest actions, though we may not know it at the time, prove to be major events in the end. He provides for us and give us what we need to succeed. We just have to take into account even the smallest of details.
Trust me, I'm no theologian...and I never will be. But, this is how I see these parables.
Now matter how small...it is very significant. "Great things come in small packages." hehe
I love your ideas! Subversive and exciting!
I read the verses a couple of times and what really struck me is that the Kingdom of Heaven is about transformation.
A humble mustard seed is transformed into "the largest of garden plants" and becomes a shelter for birds.
Pasty dough becomes warm, life-giving bread.
Two guys are so transformed by their encounter with it that they give up everything they possess for it.
And in the final transformation, wickedness will be consumed in fire and righteousness will be made to shine like the sun.
Oh Kim---thank you. What Heather and you both said is helpful, but I was trying to figure out what tied them together for me so well.
This is my preaching should be done as a community event and not just a person speaking. Thanks so much both of you.
A brotha doesn't have that problem, so, I'll move on to your next post.
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