"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." (Matthew 13:31-32)

Many sermons, many books, many Bible School and Sunday School lessons have been written on this verse, all of which give us greater understanding. Do you ever feel like the "least" of anything? Many of us do from time to time . . . many of us do ALL the time. But, in fact, that is often by God's design. Many times in our lives we will be challenged with becoming "least" in order to become "great."

The Word gives us many examples of this concept . . . here is one that comes to mind: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10

We are all called to a walk of humility, unselfish, undemanding, and totally immersed in Who He is rather than who we are. This takes unabashed humility. To regard all others more highly than ourselves, to give of ourselves totally to Him, to love unconditionally, to seek to minister to each other from a pure heart . . . a servant's heart.

It doesn't take much for a seed to begin growing, just a little fertilizer and a little water. Just a little Word dropped into a receptive, fertile heart will begin to grow to make us what God has intended us to be. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the "grain of mustard seed" He has sown in your heart and see how it has grown and is still growing to make you and mold you into the "greatest among herbs" that you can be as you love and minister to Him and to others from a humble servant's heart. Never consider the work that the Master is doing within you as too minute or trivial, for He is watering the seed He planted in you to perfect the things that He has begun in you.

Father, help me to see myself as You see me, a mere grain of mustard seed which You are watering, cultivating, and nurturing as I grow into a beautiful hearty plant, strong in You, with roots growing deep as I drink from the rivers of Your Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for all You have done and are doing to make me and mold me into Your image. Whatever it takes, Lord, create in me a humble, servant's heart that seeks after You with all that is within me, all the day long. Amen and Amen.

"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (John 12:25)

© Jan Ross
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