Jesus asks us to consider what the Kingdom of God is like. We see that it is not static. Change happens; enormous growth occurs from a tiny seed to a huge bush. This gives us the sense that God’s Kingdom develops and grows in each of us. It is not instantaneous or automatic; some seeds grow faster than others.
Joel Weldon, who helps
people develop their full potential, tells a story about the seed of the Chinese bamboo tree. The seed must be nurtured for five years before a shoot comes above the ground. The seed must be cultivated, watered, and fertilised during this time. Think about the commitment and faithfulness needed.
After five years, there is a big surprise. The emergent shoot grows to a height of 25 metres in six weeks. The bamboo seed builds a vast
root network in the first five years, enabling it to grow rapidly.
Is the root of your kingdom seed growing? Our fruitfulness for the kingdom comes with our growth – we share what we have received, and so the kingdom grows in us and the world. Let us keep cultivating. Let us be fruitful.
In God, we can come to the fullness of who we are and to deep happiness. This is
true even when we face many difficulties. We have a sense of wholeness, whatever we may be going through.
Without God, we are always left feeling that something is missing. We long for something, the filling of our hearts with God. We long to meet God heart to heart. No power, status, pleasure or wealth fills the God-shaped hole in our hearts. This is true for everyone because this is how God created us.
How do I nurture the root system of my seed of God’s Kingdom?
What is the growth in God that I have experienced?
In what ways do I bring fruit for God’s Kingdom?
Do I desire to become more fruitful for the kingdom?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
