In Matthew 13 there are two short parables with the same big idea. What might start out as insignificant and small can turn out to be a big deal.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed – small. “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, …it is the largest of garden plants”v31-32 But when it is full grown, it is the largest plant in the garden so that birds nest in it. What you may think is a small act of service, such as greeting, teaching Sunday School or giving a gift, can encourage someone to a life-time of kingdom influence.
The Kingdom of Heaven is also like a little leaven (yeast) “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast mixed into flour until it is worked all through the dough.” v33, hidden and unnoticeable in a mound of moist flour, but causing it to rise into something useful. The Apostle Paul urges us to engage in useful pursuits that are pleasing, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable excellent and praiseworthy. (Phil 4:8)*
Do not despise small beginnings (Zech 4:10). A small beginning, working an idea that the Lord prompts you to pursue, can have a monumental impact. The intent of Jesus telling these timeless stories that transcend centuries and cultures, is to let us know that small steps or a humble beginning can be used by Him to make a lasting impact. It could turn into a big deal with a huge impact in the corridors of eternity.
Take your skills and criteria for serving and offer them to Jesus. It is a small beginning; complete a profile by entering your education, work experience, skills and interests here at MissionNext. You will be surprised at what the Lord can do with your five loaves and two fishes to make a kingdom story.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Nelson Malwitz, Founder, Chief Innovation Officer
Nelson is the generic Evangelical baby-boomer. Born in 1946, raised in the C&MA, he attended Urbana ’67 in college. He holds an MS degree in Chemical Engineering and worked in R&D positions in American industry for 33 years. Nelson is an inventor with formal training in methods of creative problem-solving. He was a founding elder at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT (1982) and served in many leadership capacities of what is now one of the largest Evangelical churches in New England. In 1998 Nelson founded the Finishers Project, now MissionNext. Locally he attends a Torah study and serves as chairman of the Sewer Commission in his community to be a witness among unchurched leaders.
