Kingdom of God
I don’t always stop and reflect upon the size and influence of the Kingdom of God. It’s massive when I think about it. There are followers of God all over the world. I remember as a young man, I realized that when we were meeting together on Sunday, there were millions of other Christ followers doing the same in different countries and time zones.
I’m a part of a local church here where I live and it’s not massive, but it’s not tiny either. I recently heard someone refer to the local church as the “little ‘c’ church” and the “big ‘c’ church” is the Church across the world. I’ve always referred to the church as part of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus used lots of stories (aka parables) to illustrate truth. He uses a simple story to describe the Kingdom of God. I guess I’ve never really thought deeply about this. Check this out…
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them. (Mark 4:30-34 NLT)
The Kingdom of God starts out as the smallest of seeds but becomes this massive plant. The Kingdom of God is bigger than my mind can comprehend. I must admit that some churches do not have a Kingdom mindset. The get so hyper focused on themselves that they can’t see the big picture.
I’m not sure all that Jesus was trying to communicate in describing the Kingdom of God this way. I find great comfort and peace under the shade of the Kingdom of God. I hear hope in this description. Membership in the Kingdom of God starts with faith and trust. My faith and trust have grown deeper over the years.
I realize that I’m part of something that is huge and massive, but deeply personal and local. I have felt love, support, and counsel from members of God’s Kingdom for years. The Kingdom of is something that I may not fully understand or comprehend until I’m in the Presence of God for eternity. I will rest today in the shade of the Kingdom of God and seek the heart of God as I go about my everyday life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne