Leave The Tree

S-Scripture:  Mark 4:30-32, “30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”  (NKJV)

O-Observation:  Often times Jesus would use parables (Earthly stories with a heavenly meaning) to get His message across to those who would gather to hear.  Jesus begins verse 30 by talking about the kingdom of God.  Again, He always looked for word pictures or stories to illustrate His point He was trying to make.  He said the kingdom of Heaven is like:

• A Mustard Seed – The smallest of seeds! 
  • When it grows, it is greater than any other herb in the fields.
  • The purpose of the growth:
    • The Birds of the air could rest from the cares of the world.
    • The Birds of the air could “GO”. 

A-Application:  As a new church is planted, it begins to grow.  The core group may be small, but continual watering and attention helps establish a strong, self-supporting church.  As the church grows, many disciples are developed and taught to “leave the tree” and go plant more and better churches for Christ.  Another application which can be applied to these verses is:  Everything large, once started out small!  The purpose of of the Lord’s churches is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ , make disciples, baptize them, teach them, and send them forth to plant more and better churches!

P-Prayer:  Father in Heaven,  help StoneBridge Baptist Church to be a place where people can attend, learn, grow, and be sent out to make more and better disciples of You!  I pray this in Jesus name!  Amen!