Small Seeds, Big Rewards

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV) 

As a child learning about the Word of God, I remember hearing the parable of the mustard seed. I must admit, it didn’t make much sense to me. We did have a garden where we grew a variety of different fruits and vegetables, but none of the plants grew to be trees, and I certainly couldn’t understand that mustard came from “a tree”. I can also say that I didn’t fully understand the hyperbole that was being used in this parable either. In my parents’ front yard, there are many large pine trees that I grew up playing around and working under. I understood that pine trees grow very tall, produce much straw and pine cones (the latter two led to many hours of work raking and picking them up). I didn’t, at the time, understand that those large pine trees grow out of seeds from the pine cones that they drop. I guess looking back, there were a good many concepts I didn’t understand! What we do know is that the example of the mustard seed Jesus was using in His parable would have been easily understood by those who were listening because the mustard tree (plant) grew in the Middle East. 

I am certainly no gardener or farmer, but I do know a few ways to get plants to grow. For plants to grow, they need water, light, air, proper temperature, nutrients, space and time, to name a few. As humans, we have many of the same needs as plants, in addition to many more needs. If you are familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you know that we have physiological needs, safety needs, and love and belonging needs. So, while plants and humans have dramatically different needs holistically, the parable communicates well what can emerge from something so small. A small seed can grow into a tree, and a small act of kindness can change someone’s eternity. 

As you read through this Messenger, you will see stories where giant trees are being grown. You will see where small seeds of faith and opportunity were given, the Lord took them and grew them into great accomplishments. The growth part for us all can be very difficult. We can fight our selfish desires and motivations, but as we learn to trust and focus on God, we will grow into the “trees” He so desires us to be. Here at STCH Ministries, we see God moving in dramatic, life-changing ways! 

In our lives, we fall into the trap of thinking that we have to do great things to make an impact for the kingdom of heaven, but this parable shows us otherwise. We can’t make seeds grow. Yes, we can provide ideal conditions such as good soil, appropriate sunlight and water, but we can’t make a seed grow. In the same way, we can’t make the kingdom of God grow. We can provide ideal conditions for that faith to grow through devotions, Bible study, regular worship, mission trips and sharing our faith with others. But the results aren’t up to us, they are up to God. Please join us in prayer for those mentioned in this Messenger. What a privilege it is to be a part of their story! 

1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”