The Lesson of the Mustard Seed

My first knowledge of the mustard seed came from a once popular necklace with a single "charm"  that enshrined a grain of mustard seed.  Perhaps you too have seen these necklaces or even own one.

It was years later that I saw the tiny seed in abundance on a visit to Bethany.  An enterprising salesman met us upon entering the Roman Catholic Church of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  He offered me a pod of the mustard tree (plant).  Only when I broke the small pod open did I see the tiny mustard seeds.

It then dawned on me anew the great lesson of the mustard seed.  The ministry of Jesus had what appeared to his audience to be insignificant beginnings and a questionable future.  Taking a mustard seed while perhaps standing next to the mustard seed plant, Jesus reassured the wavering disciples as to the growth of the Kingdom of God.

God's Kingdom surely grows, albeit quietly at times, and will grow to immeasurable heights upon its realization.  Thanks be to the One who is Alpha and Omega!

HT:  Joe Burton for Photo