Kingdom Sabbath Part 2

Luke 13:18-19 Then Jesus asked, “What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 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.”
 
IT is interesting that Luke puts this Kingdom description just after Jesus’ Sabbath healing. We examined how Sabbath healing and care demonstrate God’s restoring, creative work. Now Jesus extends the Sabbath day teaching with a picture of our eternal Sabbath in the Kingdom of God.
   Jesus first pointed to the Kingdom’s small beginning on earth. Few seeds are smaller than a mustard seed. But then the seed grows into a “tree” about 10-15 feet tall. To many of us, this isn’t much of a tree, but the point is that this tree will be the home for much life.
   The many birds illustrate the people of the earth who come to faith and rest in the Kingdom. Note, too, the seed grows out of a garden. This takes us back to Eden and the tree of life (Genesis 3:22) and forward to the bountiful land of the New Heaven and earth recorded in Revelation 22. God’s purpose is to restore Eden to a greater glory as he, not his creation, will rule forever. Even more, Jesus is the seed of life who came out of the garden tomb of his resurrection into Heaven’s glory.
   This mustard seed parable from our Lord Jesus illustrates his plan and promises for all who will come to believe in Jesus. Remember, the Kingdom is formed in Jesus Christ. He will deliver a New Jerusalem that comes from Heaven as a bride beautifully dressed. The Kingdom also has substance. It’s substance in Heaven is the Light of the Father and the Son. The Kingdom has time. Eternity is its unlimited time for God’s people to enjoy the glorious Sabbath of joy, praise, worship and love under the Lord’s rule.
   Yes, this life promise is for all who believe. In Christ, you become a new seed of life rooted in fertile ground. In Christ’s teachings, you will grow to shelter many in his love, grace and forgiveness. In Christ, you will find rest in his eternal Garden.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for planting me new and fresh in Jesus’ eternal salvation. Grow me strong to shelter the brokenhearted. Grant to me joy in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.