Wednesday, August 24 – Matthew 13:31-32

He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.”

When a child gets hurt or feels afraid, they often run to an adult. And they don’t just run to any adult but a loved one, a parent, or a guardian. Moments of pain are often hard for adults to work through and even be honest about, but children seem to have no difficulty knowing exactly who they need to turn to. They have identified the person of peace, rest, and security that they can run to in times of need, and they have no problem running at full speed in times of trouble and heartache. In those moments, it doesn’t matter to them who has the best job, the most accomplishments, or is most productive. They seek the person who has made it evident in their lives that they will meet their needs.

This tree Jesus taught about grew to be large and strong but the purpose of that growth and strength was more than status, it was that large and strong so that it could give rest to God’s creation. As followers of Jesus, it can be tempting to measure our value according to productivity or the number of service opportunities we can meet but when we look at the Word, we don’t see that same measurement. Like the child in his or her time of need, those around us know if we are truly restful people to turn to when others are in need. They can tell if we are people who can be confided in, trusted—people of peace in times of trouble. God has equipped followers of Jesus with hope and peace for more than our own security; we’re to be people of rest for others and to share with them the security and rest we have found in Him. This will never be the flashiest way to get attention or credit, but in this we take part in living out the values of the kingdom of God, which is more valuable than anything else.

• What are the qualities of someone you can rest with?
• What is your reaction when someone comes to you needing rest?
• Pray and repent for the times of impatience or moments of measuring your value by production. Ask God to remind you of the priority of being a place of rest for others.