D-V's Desk

             Jesus gives us five snapshots of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like this morning.   The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, some yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl, and a net of fish.   With the exception of the catch of fish and the hidden treasure, all of these are small, seemingly insignificant.             I have here an index card.   On the index card is a mustard seed, a pearl, and a grain of yeast.   There is also a quarter for comparison.   You may be able to see the quarter.   How many can see the other items?   Not too many.   The mustard seed, the pearl, and the grain of yeast are so tiny in comparison.   But their impact is huge.             A tiny mustard seed can grow into a large bush.   Large enough to provide shelter for birds and small animals.  ...

  Now I am no gardener or even a farmer.   But I was a biology major.   And I loved to help my Mom in her garden.   I also lived in rural Missouri for eleven and a half years, where corn and soy grow on the sides of the highways.   So, I do know a few things about how gardens work.   I am sure you may as well. First, you must carefully select the ground.   Nothing too rocky or shady Then you need to make sure the soil is prepared.   Fertilizer and topsoil may be needed. Finally, you can sow your seeds or plant your seedlings. Your garden will need adequate sunlight and water to flourish. What the sower does in Jesus’ story goes against all good gardening.   Notice how the sower scatters seed haphazardly.   There is no thought for the soil or how the soil (or lack thereof) will impact the growth of the future plant.   No gardener would garden this way in real life.   Rocky ground, thorny ground, good soil all get seed....