How big does a mustard seed get?
Liturgical Readings for 10/25/22
I have never seen a full-size mustard tree. I have heard they get big. I have seen the seeds, and I have seen the mustard seed mulched into a paste and applied to my hot dog. This bush, as it is called in the Bible, can grow to enormous heights. The smallest seed can grow into a mighty tree. The fruit of this tree creates millions more seeds with the potential to mature.
I have often wondered if the burning bush that Moses saw on Horeb was also a mustard tree. God is intentional like that, so it would not surprise me.
Luke 13:18–21
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.
We are like wheat flour when mixed with yeast. Three measures are mixed in until the whole batch of dough is leavened. A small batch of grace is enough to grow God’s kingdom.
Each parable is something small that grows into something large, fruitful, and sustaining.
My youngest son is in karate class. He has been struggling with a particular series of moves that he needs to master before moving on to his next rank. He is timid because the series is complicated. There have been times when he is called upon to demonstrate, and he has declined. He doesn’t feel ready, so he holds back.
On the way to his class, I talked about courage. He’s in third grade, so I have to break everything down into smaller chunks. I told him that I would rather him try and fail than not try at all. I reminded him that God is with us in our weaknesses. I told him if the teacher calls on him again, that I wanted him to try no matter what. He agreed.
In the class, as the Sensei began to work his way down the line to test each student on their abilities. He reached my son, who was desperately trying not to stand out. When he was called, at first, he hesitated. The teacher asked him to move out in front of the class and lead the series of movements for the class. I saw a lightbulb flash and a switch flip into the active position in my sons small stare. Like me, my son learns best by demonstrating to others. He needed to speak the moves aloud as a teacher with authority, and by doing so, he was able to set to memory the steps he had struggled with. His confidence level went through the roof. I could see a small spark set his mind on fire. This was bigger than a karate class, my son had discovered purpose. A calling surfaced. I could see a small seed flourish and the birds coming to nest in the branches.
God leans into our movements. It is a beautiful dance that can only be performed in step with our creator. When we stand in place, when we are stagnant, God calls out to us to trust in Him and He waits. God has brought nothing into being by mistake. We have everything we need to become leavened bread. God’s kingdom on earth.
