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He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls;on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)
I watch Texas Country Reporter. I have watched it for many years and love hearing about people and places in the Lone Star State; and this week's episode was no exception. He featured a woman of faith from Ft. Worth who makes very beautiful jewelry, by hand, in her own home based almost entirely on mustard seeds. The show showed her dining room table and it was covered by containers holding mustard seeds. She tried for three years to come up with the perfect way to use the seed as part of pendants and symbols; when she finally got the right recipe, she started her business. She loves the parable of the mustard seed and believes all of us should live with a reminder of that parable. So much so, that with every order, she encloses two one-dollar bills as seed money for the recipient of the jewelry to use to show goodness and compassion.
Jesus wanted those who would follow Him to know what is involved in this Kingdom of Heaven that He was sharing. It begins with faith and even the smallest faith is accepted, because like the mustard seed, it can grow and become something of useful purpose. The kingdom requires growth, like yeast, that comes from sharing that faith in positive ways that impacts the lives and thinking and actions of others who will in turn tell others, who will tell others, until there is the growth needed for this to be a great kingdom among all people. The kingdom is a treasure; for some it is hidden for many years and then a discovery of it makes a big impact on that one life who can in turn impact others. In my case, I was one of those, who was forced to church until I discovered the hidden treasure, who is Jesus, and once I did, my life changed! The kingdom is life a pearl of great worth; for those who find it will do anything to have and hold that faith. The kingdom is like a net; many will be caught in it, but the day will come when the Fisherman will decide which "fish" are good, and which are bad; the good will be taken, and the bad thrown out. Judgment is part of the kingdom and it will happen, Jesus teaches; blessed are those who learn these lessons and draw from them each day; the new lessons as well as the old bless the one who believes.
The question remains on our making a decision for Jesus. We must choose to accept and serve Jesus as our Lord and Savior. You done this already?
PRAYER: Loving God, may blessings be Yours as we seek to be and share the kingdom. Grant us faith; the kind that grows and goes. Help us to share our faith in positive, inviting ways; let us live a life that in the end will be among those deemed good. We can't do it alone and we need You; for we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Tell somebody about this great kingdom you're in!
Eradio Valverde
Prayers for Rev. John Alsbrooks who undergoes knee surgery today in Austin. Also, for the Spiller Family, as Rev. Sid's wife, has entered hospice care. May the Lord bless and keep all in need today is our prayer.
