The Kingdom of God

Mark 4:30-32

“And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

The mustard seed was a fast-growing plant that germinated immediately upon planting it into good soil. It would grow to a bush to nine feet tall and then a thicket if not maintained. The plant itself was believed to have several healing properties and because of its exponential growth and power to heal, it was a popular plant in the first century. Knowing these facts gives a bit more understanding to this parable of the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is within us according to Luke 17:20-21 “…Jesus answered, “God’s kingdom is coming, but not in a way that you will be able to see with your eyes. People will not say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ because God’s kingdom is within you.”

So, as recipients of God’s Kingdom within us, the Holy Spirit takes the power of this Kingdom and does a mighty work within us, as long as we are open, receptive and active as agents and citizens of God’s Kingdom. For the Kingdom of God to reside in us, God has planted the seed of His Kingdom in our hearts. The Holy Spirit waters that seed and makes it grow as much as we are growing spiritually. To stop growing will stifle the Kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord, our lives are not our own, they belong to You. As You have planted the Kingdom in us, we are open to what You want to do in and through our lives. I pray that this planting of the Kingdom in us will bring You glory and honor and praise. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!