What is humanity’s view of a kingdom? Perhaps a castle with high walls, surrounded by a society flourishing with economic enterprise, agriculture and cultural identity. It is an empire where those with power, wealth, and influence compete to rule…. where the kings of men demand glorification and loyalty from its subjects. Within its domain, there are gross inequities in the “haves” and “have-nots” as societal norms. Among its populace, the virtues of ambition and ones talents are celebrated (and envied) above all. Darwinian theory of evolution (survival of the fittest) is primary guiding principle of man’s way of life in such empires.
But what is God’s kingdom like? Jesus defined the commonwealth of Heaven very differently. He confounded the religious elites (who desired above all things earthly supremacy for the nation of Israel) when he said (Lk 17:20-21), ““The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, (21) nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is! Or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Further, Jesus spoke of such spiritual kingdom that lives inside all Christians and advances by a body of believers (church) in earth. With this foundation, the question remain the same. What is God’s kingdom like? How does it grow? Jesus offers the secret, which he unveils it in the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
God’s kingdom metric for success differs from worlds of men. Too often, churches measures accomplishment by worldly definition. Our indicators of kingdom fruitfulness tend to be based on:
- size of church members
- size of church budget
- diversity and number of church programs
- popularity and charisma of church pastor to attract people to their congregation.
While there is some value in analyzing these things, they are not the primary evaluation factors God uses to appraise his churches (e.g., Rev 2-3). If we are honest, often our church operations, practices and ideas of success aligns more with corporate society and than with the identity, nature, and character of Heaven and its King. Regrettably, a church that takes its cues from the kingdoms of men is at risk of being barren of God’s kingdom fruit.
What does outward growth of God’s kingdom look like? Jesus likens his kingdom to seed that is planted by God in the earth (his garden) and grows into a tree. Jesus uses the imagery of mustard seed because they not only grow slowly, but progressively unabated by harsh season. Further, the starting size of mustard seed is of note. Why? Because it is very small (one of the smallest seeds on earth), the size of about 1-2 mm, but grows into a plant with large branches to a height of almost 15 feet. This is a picture of his church that started with 12 disciples under the harsh conditions of persecution by the Jewish religious elites and Rome, but grew in a way that the gates of hell could not prevail against it!
What is the primary purpose of the Kingdom? As a mustard seed grows it produces firm and rigid branches by which the birds of the air can come under, find rest from their weariness, and shade from the heat of the sun. Jesus adds that such birds even, “…make nest in its branches.” Likewise, the foundation of God’s kingdom was established on the Old testament and its prophets; teachings of the apostles; and Jesus Christ who is its Architect and Chief Cornerstone by which the whole substructure depends (Eph 2:17-22). Like the Mustard seed, such kingdom provides rest and refuge from the storms and burdensome heat of this fallen creation and life of sin for all who seek after it and go into it for salvation. God’s people (who are its citizens) are these branches of such kingdom (cf. Jn 15). Therefore, we are not to imitate the nature of the kingdoms of men of (like the Pharisees) who are hypocritically judgmental, covetous of fame and fortune, and tribal in their dispositions towards others. We model our Kingdom’s King. We are called to be a SAFE people for the lost, and weary to run to as we are extension of Christ himself. (Ps 46:1-3, Prv 18:10).
What is the kingdom of God like? Look only to Jesus and be as He is. Then, the world shall see the kingdom of heaven shining forth. Though it starts small like mustard seed, by faith it grows to the glory of God. Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com