Growing Like A Mustard Tree

Nearly every morning I am reminded of how much the Bible has to say about seeds, planting and growing. God intended for nature to be an example for us to learn from and live by. We see what good soil, the right amount of water and sunshine can do on a daily basis. The trees in our yards and parks flourish; the pastures grow and provide food for the cattle; the desert has its own beauty from the vegetation that grows there. Yes, it’s all around us!

Jesus taught parables about farmers growing seeds and protecting what they had planted. In one of my favorites He warns of birds coming to eat the seeds that are unprotected and of weeds that choke out the plants while they are young and finally He tells of the harvest that comes when the seeds are well cared for and allowed to grow. And then He makes this correlation:

“ This is what the story means: The seed is God’s message, 12 and the seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message. But the devil comes and snatches the message out of their hearts, so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it. But they don’t have deep roots, and they believe only for a little while. As soon as life gets hard, they give up.

14 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they are so eager for riches and pleasures that they never produce anything. 15 Those seeds that fell on good ground are the people who listen to the message and keep it in good and honest hearts. They last and produce a harvest.” Luke 9:11-15 CEV

The seed is good and will grow anywhere but it must be protected to bring a harvest. And as the seed grows it provides life, protection and safety. Just like a tree provides a place of nesting, shelter from storms and a perch for watching for food God’s word will do the same in our lives and the lives of those around us.

“ Then Jesus said, “What can I use to show you what God’s kingdom is like? What story can I use to explain it? 31 God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed, which is smaller than any other seed on earth that you can plant. 32 But when you plant it, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants in your garden. It has branches that are very big. The wild birds can come and make nests there and be protected from the sun.” Mark 4:30-32 ERV

A mustard seed will germinate in about 5-10 days if the soil conditions are right. The black mustard tree, referred to in the verses above, will grow to an average of 3-5 feet tall and can continue to grow up to 10-15 feet tall and just as wide. (see the picture)

When we allow God’s word to grow in our lives we can be a blessing and a place of rest and safety to those around us. A mustard seed amount of faith can move mountains but the day to day cares of life can cancel the effects. Today live by the words of a man in the Bible, “Lord, I believe. Help thou, my unbelief”. Keep focused on God’s ability and not your inability. Be blessed and grow!