Mustard Seed

Jesus taught the value of little things. Take a mustard seed, for example. Tiny – no bigger than the point on a pencil. Yet Jesus has told us that the kingdom of God was like a mustard seed and if we had just the faith the size of that mustard seed, we could move mountains.

Mark 4:30-33

..."How should we be likening the kingdom of God? Or by what parable may we be placing it? "As a kernel of mustard, which, whenever it may be sown on the earth, is smaller than all the seeds of those on the earth, and whenever it may be sown, is coming up and becoming greater than all the greens and is making great boughs, so that, under its shade, the flying creatures of heaven are able to roost."...(Concordant Literal Version)

Matthew 17:20

...."For verily I am saying to you, If you should have faith as a kernel of mustard, you shall be declaring to this mountain, 'Proceed hence--there!' and it will be proceeding. And nothing will be impossible for you." (Concordant Literal Version)

Jesus taught the value of little things. In other words, small is OK—if you put it in God’s hands. From small, seemingly insignificant beginnings come mighty results. The flame of one small candle will light the darkness. One small spark can ignite a raging fire.

I want to share the following story with you. It touched my heart and it may just touch yours. 57 cents doesn't seem like much to most people, but just see what it can do.

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What God can do with 57 cents.

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was "too crowded."

"I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.

Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she must have went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.

As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.

He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there...

A newspaper learned of the story and published It. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations Checks came from far and wide.

Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds".

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"Acres of Diamonds" has been an all time favorite of mine for many years. I recommend to everyone, if you have not read it, to read it! ~Vickie Barker

May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
May you let His presence settle into your every cell.
May you know it is ALL there for each and every one.

The Mustard Seed