Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
I think I’m starting to see a pattern here in these chapters in Luke. Have you seen one yet? As I read, I keep getting the message to trust and have faith.
In this chapter, I am drawn to verses 18-21. Here we see two examples of how a very small amount of faith can lead to very big results. A mustard seed would’ve been the smallest seed known to Jesus’ audience at the time. He tells us that this one tiny seed grew into a tree so large that even birds could make nests in its branches. The Jews were expecting the kingdom of God to come in a big, flashy way or maybe even to come in an instant. This parable teaches us to trust the process and wait for growth to unfold.
In the same way, a small amount of yeast grows into enough bread to feed about 100 people. Have you ever taken the time to be amazed by how something like a little bit of yeast can grow into something larger (and more delicious)? I know I haven’t! When I really think about it, though, this is a beautiful picture of my faith. If I’m willing to give even a small amount of myself, God can use it to multiply not only my own faith but also the faith of those around me!
One of the things I struggle with the most is feeling like I’m enough. My mustard seed is too small. My yeast is probably bad. My default thinking always leads me to believe that I don’t have enough of whatever I need to make something happen. These verses remind me that it has nothing to do with the amount of what I have to give. What matters is that I’m willing to give it and that I trust in the Lord to do the rest of the work!
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
- What small thing do you have to offer that you’ve been holding back due to fear that it’s not enough?