“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13 : 31 - 32
Bible reading: Matthew 13 : 31-33, 44 - 52
Thought for the week
In our Gospel reading Jesus gives us a whole range of parables. In each of them He is speaking about something precious amidst the very ordinary things.
There is a range of everyday activity here, from sowing, to gathering, to preparing food, to buying and selling. Pictures about human skills, and hopes, and choices that we all share. And into all this activity Jesus speaks words of the Kingdom. About the Lord’s sovereign rule. About what is most precious. About the Kingdom that is so often seemingly hidden, and yet is unstoppable.
The last parable is challenging. About the separation of the wicked from the righteous. It is uncompromising. Harsh even. Until we realise this is Jesus Himself speaking. The one who has brought the Kingdom into our lives. Who offers everyone His grace, His compassion. His love. The one who has brought all our choices together into one. To choose Him. To follow Jesus. To live in His life and in His hope.
Jesus is the one who offers each of us the Kingdom and eternal life in Him. Something so precious that begins now in the everyday when we choose Jesus.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Generous God, you give us gifts and make them grow;
though our faith is as small as a mustard seed,
make it grow for your glory and the flourishing of your Kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Date for your diary: Cycle for your church
Sat 12 September 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
A fun day out for all, stopping off at as many churches and Chapels as you can! Join a sponsored bike ride or walk discovering beautiful churches, which also raises money for their repair and preservation. PLUS you can join with others in your parish to win £1,000 for your church by becoming the parish with the most improved amount of money raised. Simply get sponsored for each building you visit or make a donation.