What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted it in the garden. Luke 13:18-19

Even though I was raised in the city, my father taught me the wonders of farming. Along with instructing me how to plant and harvest vegetables, he showed me that gardening is perhaps an ultimate act of faith, as we trust that something small and unseen can grow into something beautiful and delicious. Is there anything better than tomatoes fresh off the vine?

And just as a garden grows, so grows the kingdom of God in believers. Our call as disciples is not to drag unwilling people screaming into the kingdom. Rather, God asks us to plant seeds of love and the good news of Christ and those around us, gently drawing them into the warmth and light of the presence of Jesus.

Jesus, allow me to be both seed and sower to those who need you.

Steve Givens