Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:31-32

Yeshua put before them another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed which a man takes and sows in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up it is larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the birds flying about come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)

When I taught this parable it was hard for My followers to believe that one day the whole world would hear the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven.

At that time there were only a few who heard and believed the truths that I taught.

But truth is good seed. It has everlasting life in it. It may lie dormant for many years, but if it is planted in faith by a good sower in a good field it will immediately take root and grow.

The mustard seed is a very small seed, but it is strong. The yellow mustard plant can reproduce after its own kind very easily, and it spreads very quickly. The wheat farmers on the prairies of Canada will tell you how they fear and hate the mustard “weed” because it can take over the whole field in no time at all. It is not easily gotten rid of.

In the Eastern Lands the black mustard plant can become strong enough and big enough for the birds to rest in it. It becomes a haven for the homeless ones.

So it is with the Gospel you preach — at first it may seem to you, as you speak your simple message to a handful of people, that it is totally ineffective and a waste of your time and money.

But you don’t know how far—reaching your work really is. For although you do not see the results today, the day will come when you will know of a certainty that your labour has not been in vain in the Lord; and that, even after you have finished planting in one field and gone on to another, your hard work has taken root and spread and produced seeds after its own kind which have also reproduced good seed, until the whole world has been touched through your humble but dedicated life.

So be of good courage. Take your little mustard seed and go forth to plant it today, for only eternity will reveal the effectiveness of your work through the seed which I have put in your hands to plant.

From the Heart of Jesus by Gwen Shaw
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