What Jesus Did! 'Kingdom Growth and Strength' — Mark 4:30-32

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."
— Mark 4:30-32 NLT

Key Thought

Mystery and movement were at the heart of Jesus' Kingdom message in our devotional yesterday; today his message is about power and grace. The Kingdom appears small in the face of the world's political and military powers. However, the Kingdom we see is only a seed, not a fully mature shelter. But the Kingdom is growing and will be large enough to furnish safety and security for those who live in its branches. Don't be afraid, dear Kingdom seeker; the God who propels the mustard seed to great growth is at work in his Kingdom to do far greater things than we can ask or imagine. So find your shelter in his Kingdom. All others will pass away, but this one will endure — forever.

Today's Prayer

O Lord my God, how awesome are your works in all the earth. The beauty and diversity of your creation astound me. Yet I realize that as beautiful as this physical world I can see may be, the unseen realm of your Kingdom, majesty, and might are far greater still! Even those bits and glimpses of your Kingdom I experience now are wonderful. I look forward to the day when they are fully visible to all. Until that day, shelter me in the embrace of your Kingdom and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 1:19-23
  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • Matthew 6:10

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, March 10, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Job 14:1
"It may be of great service to us, before we fall asleep, to remember this mournful fact, for it may lead us to set loose by earthly things. There is....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 3:10-11
"All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 9:9
"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Holy Fear' (Acts 5:5-14)
"As soon as Ananias heard these words [about his lie], he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:30-32 NLT — "How can I describe the Kingdom of God?

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!