As it flows out of the cool clear waters of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi River is only a little stream 10-12 feet wide and about 2 feet deep. By the time it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, it has flowed more than 2500 miles and is more than a mile wide at some points. Tens of millions of people live in the 32 states that are drained by the mighty Mississippi. Like this river, the kingdom of God began small but has grown to immense size and impact.
The book of Acts tells that there were only 120 people who followed Christ at the time of Pentecost. (By the way, there still is time to send and receive those Pentecost greeting cards…oh, wait, not really a thing. Another overlooked Christian festival…) Now, more than two billion call themselves Christian, as well as many more who have already lived and will yet live. Amazing, astounding results from the seemingly small and insignificant seed of the Word of God. The tiny mustard seed planted in Jerusalem 2000 years ago has grown into a large tree.
God’s kingdom – powered by the seed of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit working through that Word – offers more than meets the eye. When you really need help and guidance, turn off the gurus, leave the self-help books on the shelf, and go to The Book of the Word of God. When stress, anxiety, and worry fill your heart, look to Christ and his Word. When uncertainty and doubt attack your faith, look to Christ and his Word. When health weakens and finances falter, look to Christ and his Word and promises. When key relationships are stretched and strained under the weight of hurt and unmet expectations, look to Christ and his Word. His Word and promises never fail.
Realize, too, what a powerful resource is ours to share here. Sow the seed of the Gospel. Spread it regularly. Scatter it recklessly: friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members. Don’t worry about results. God will take care of those. Just sow/throw the seed. Remember, results may not be instant, but they will come. The Word works. There’s more than meets the eye.
Much like the mighty Mississippi (but even more so!), the Word works relentlessly, persistently, powerfully in unseen behind-the-scenes ways…in your heart and mine, and in the hearts and minds of many, many more.
By the Spirit’s power,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
The book of Acts tells that there were only 120 people who followed Christ at the time of Pentecost. (By the way, there still is time to send and receive those Pentecost greeting cards…oh, wait, not really a thing. Another overlooked Christian festival…) Now, more than two billion call themselves Christian, as well as many more who have already lived and will yet live. Amazing, astounding results from the seemingly small and insignificant seed of the Word of God. The tiny mustard seed planted in Jerusalem 2000 years ago has grown into a large tree.
God’s kingdom – powered by the seed of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit working through that Word – offers more than meets the eye. When you really need help and guidance, turn off the gurus, leave the self-help books on the shelf, and go to The Book of the Word of God. When stress, anxiety, and worry fill your heart, look to Christ and his Word. When uncertainty and doubt attack your faith, look to Christ and his Word. When health weakens and finances falter, look to Christ and his Word and promises. When key relationships are stretched and strained under the weight of hurt and unmet expectations, look to Christ and his Word. His Word and promises never fail.
Realize, too, what a powerful resource is ours to share here. Sow the seed of the Gospel. Spread it regularly. Scatter it recklessly: friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members. Don’t worry about results. God will take care of those. Just sow/throw the seed. Remember, results may not be instant, but they will come. The Word works. There’s more than meets the eye.
Much like the mighty Mississippi (but even more so!), the Word works relentlessly, persistently, powerfully in unseen behind-the-scenes ways…in your heart and mine, and in the hearts and minds of many, many more.
By the Spirit’s power,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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