Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Luke 13:18-21
“He said therefore, “what is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches” (Luke 13:18-19)
The kingdom of God began with the gospel message planted in Jesus’ disciples, who were fishermen, tax collectors and other ordinary people. When Jesus came, the Pharisees questioned who He was. They did not believe in His message nor His claims that He was the Son of God. Like a mustard seed, which was proverbially the smallest object around in those times, God’s kingdom started out with a tiny handful of insignificant people.
Yet, over time, God’s kingdom started to spread. God used the apostles to spread the gospel from town to town. More and more people started to submit their lives to Christ. Today, we can see the sprouts of this mustard seed. The mustard tree is starting to bloom. We see Christians all over the globe. We see the hardest regions won for Christ. The underground church in China is growing rapidly. We see God’s work in persecuted countries like India, Pakistan and Syria. The mustard seed is growing.
God’s kingdom did not start in extravaganza or grandeur. God worked from the small and insignificant. As we surrender our lives to God once again this new year, let us know that God is not looking for servants with arrays of experience and credentials. He is looking for whole hearts purely submitted to Him. It doesn’t matter how insignificant we are. God will work great things out of nobodies to show the power of His work and the glory of His wisdom.
Are we willing to be used by God? Are we willing to surrender our will and ways into God’s hands, letting Him govern our steps? Are we willing to live each day begging for God’s mercy and work alone? Are we willing to get our hands dirty and strive together for the expansion of God’s kingdom around us?
There is a special need for the gospel amongst Gen-Z’s today. The harvest is plenty, but the labourers are few. Despite being an advanced generation born amid rapid technological advancement, many around us have yet heard the true gospel. Who will proclaim it to them?
At first, the task seems impossible. But we walk following God’s ways, not our own. God works mightily as He pleases. We are only called to be willing servants. Is this who we will resolve to be in this new year?
Lord, make me Your servant. I give my whole self into Your service. May You use me according to Your will. As Your kingdom starts like a mustard seed that grows into a tree, may You work amongst Gen-Z’s around us today. Teach us to trust in You and follow Your leading in all our ministry. We ask that You lead us and do not forsake us. In Jesus’ name, amen.