Kingdom of Grace
Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?” Luke 13:18
Many people of Jesus’ day imagined the kingdom of God was more like their ancient kingdom of Israel under King David and his son Solomon. But this is not the image Jesus was presenting in the parable of the mustard seed.
Jesus focused his listeners on the tiny mustard seed, saying that this was what the kingdom of God was like. This probably shattered the dreams of many people who wanted to see a powerful, impressive kingdom, which immediately restored the Israelites to places of honor as God’s chosen people instead of Roman oppression.
Can you imagine Jesus’ hearers saying, “Mustard?! He said mustard—it is such a small, slow-growing seed! How can God’s kingdom be like that?” No doubt the people were scratching their heads as Jesus’ parable underwhelmed them.
Jesus was not trying to impress people or to be a conquering King by the world’s standards. He taught that although God’s kingdom might seem to have insignificant beginnings, it grew with the subtle, hidden power of grace and love and would eventually spread throughout the earth.
Growth in the expression of grace in our lives may be a slow process, but kingdom grace involves a lifelong walk with Christ, Who is the fullest expression of God’s grace. Jesus’ life of obedience to God, sacrificial death and glorious resurrection always points us to the gift of God’s grace.
We are covered by and filled with His grace. Therefore, may we pay attention to how our lives, by the Holy Spirit’s power, are becoming ever more faithful conduits of grace to others.
Dear Lord, we are often not patient enough to trust the work of Your grace in our lives. Help us to resist the appeal of quick results and to trust in You for growth in living grace-filled lives each day. Amen.