From Least of All to Greater Than All

From Least of All to Greater Than All

We find these words in a parable of the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 13:31-32. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. There are two things that are worth noting in this parable.

First a mustard seed has a very lowly beginning, less than all other beginnings! The least of all other seeds! The smallest seed I can remember seeing is a poppy seed. It is like a tiny little dot. But the mustard seed is even smaller than that.1 I have heard it is so small that you may need a magnifying glass to be able to see it. Such is the beginning of God’s kingdom in you, dear soul. This is a great comfort! It is an exceptional comfort!

On the day of prosperity, looking at a beginner (and for a beginner), it seems that God’s kingdom in him should be somewhat larger, and not just a little bit larger either, than a mustard seed. However, on the day of adversity it is evident that it was considerably smaller than it appeared to be. It can even happen that you need a magnifying glass to be able to see it. If it is difficult for you and others to discover God’s kingdom in you—the kingdom that consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—then you can take perfect consolation in this parable. You have no reason to expect more for the time being, but it will be plainly visible in its time.

The second thing that is noteworthy in this parable is the tremendous growth that will be evident in its time! This occurs according to its nature! In the beginning the mustard seed is the least of all seeds, but in the end it is greater than all herbs. In other words, it experiences exceptional growth. Besides being a great comfort to us, this word also gives us great hope! It isn’t going so well with you today, but just wait!!! You will experience exceptional growth in Christ in the end!