Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?  It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches"  (Luke 13:18-19).

Kristi and I have been enjoying these summer days  by starting with prayer on the back porch, and we  have been blessed by the singing of the birds.  They seem to be declaring a kingdom song, like the heavens declaring the glory of God, the skies proclaiming the work of his hands, their voice going out into all the earth (Psalm 19:1-4).  The birds sing small  pleasant songs, recognizable but not overwhelming or overbearing.   Like a mustard seed, the smallest known seed to the audience of Jesus when he spoke the words of Luke 13:18-19.  A tiny mustard seed produces the mustard tree, a large herbal plant that grows to be 8-12 feet tall.

The tree is a place where birds make their nests. It is a place of refuge and protection. When God takes a small faith and produces something big, it can provide peace and refuge and a sense of hope for others.   A small seed producing a tree is a powerful illustration of supernatural results from the smallest faith.   A tree which has grown supernaturally provides a safe haven,  a place where songs can be sung.  It’s a kingdom song, with a rising pitch and increasing tempo.  Supernatural results are produced when we tune in to God’s song,  even with undersized expressions of faith when we don’t feel like singing.  It’s a song of a growing kingdom.  Tune in and sing.