He told another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It’s the smallest of all seeds. But when it’s grown, it’s the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31-32
Scotland has to be one of the most charming, enchanting, and downright weird places on earth. Here’s proof:
- Its national animal is a unicorn.
- Its most famous lake supposedly conceals a dinosaur/monster.
- Its national instrument is the bagpipe, described by some as sounding like a cat giving birth.
- Its formal wear for men is an elaborate skirt.
- Its national drink is whisky, and if you spell it with an “e” as in “whiskey,” people get upset.
- Its famous historical leader, Robert the Bruce, supposedly rode into battle on a Highland cow.
Such is Scotland, and I absolutely love it. Planning on a return trip next year.
And the kingdom of God that Jesus talked about is charming, enchanting, and downright weird.
- You turn the other cheek instead of saying, “I have a particular set of skills…”
- You give generously and discover that what you receive back isn’t measured in dollars and cents.
- You sacrifice for those in need, and discover Jesus’ face in their faces.
- You love unconditionally and treat others as better than yourself.
- You look around you and see EVERYTHING as something created and loved by the God Jesus called Dad.
- You celebrate beauty in diversity, and the more diverse, the more beautiful.
- You have hope in hopeless times because Dad says today’s crosses WILL yield tomorrow’s opened graves.
- You find a bunch of similar kingdom-crazies in an institution called the church, and they’re with you from cradle to grave and beyond.
Such is the kingdom of God, and I absolutely love it. I plan on visiting it each day, to the best of my abilities.