Jesus’ Life: Chapter 7 – The Kingdom Of Heaven
Jesus said to His disciples, the “Kingdom of God” (Heaven) is like a Mustard Seed.
Seeds are generally small but, if for some unusual reason, you have lost a mustard seed, it could be very difficult to find. Yes, perhaps more difficult than, “A needle in a haystack”. It’s a little over a millimetre in diameter, but when planted it can grow into a small tree, usually around three to four metres tall.
Such a change in size is quite striking. So, when Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grew into a plant upon which birds could nest and shelter, he was demonstrating to us, in simple everyday language, how his Gospel can grow within us, to something larger and even more beautiful than our dreams could ever imagine.
When the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard was asked what his one wish would be, he replied, “I should not wish for wealth and power, but for… the eye which… sees the possible”.
Many times Jesus asked us to think far beyond worldly wealth and power. Our reward will be meeting Him, as we ascend to heaven to join the multitude of Angels and Saints, already in paradise. (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)
Thought
Jesus has shown us the way to eternal life through His Gospel but we must follow and obey. If we choose to make the journey, he will provide all additional support required.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, thank You, for your help and guidance. As I travel the road to paradise, protect me from evil and surround me with Your blessings.
Prayer: Guidance (St Basil of Caesarea)
Steer the ship of my life, good Lord,
to your quiet harbour,
where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict.
Show me the course I should take.
Renew in me the gift of discernment,
so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.
And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course,
even when the sea is rough and the waves are high,
knowing that through enduring hardship and danger,
in your name, we shall find comfort and peace.
