"Be a Mustard Seed!"

In the book of Samuel we learn that God sees deep into our hearts and sees us differently than we see each other.  Samuel, the prophet, is sent by God to select the new king of Israel from the sons of Jesse.  Seven sons are presented.  The oldest and heir of the family was presented first.  Then maybe the smartest son, or the one who was the richest, or more cleaver.  Each maybe looked like a king should, but none were chosen.  Samuel asked if there were any more sons.  Jesse presented his youngest son, David, the uninvited, forgotten, and smelly shepherd boy.  God told Samuel to anoint David and from that dusty boy came forth a poet/king.

The Gospel tells of Jesus saying that the Kingdom or Household of God is like a mustard seed.  The Israelites, who knew of the pomp, privilege, and oppression of Imperial Rome, couldn't understand how any kingdom could look like a common, dusty, easily forgotten mustard seed.  The mustard bush grew in many places, some considered it to be a weed.  It was not a noble or exotic plant.  It grew in the alleys and edges of life.  Everybody could have one.  Here is the GOOD NEWS:  there is nothing imperial about God's household.  The mustard seed teaches us that all are welcome into the Household of God.  We need not be grand, or royal, or rich, or notable.  The Household is given to those who, like David, might feel uninvited, forgotten, unloved, invisible.  And more GOOD NEWS:  once planted, mustard seed, the Household of God, grows in common places among common people.  All are invited, cherished, loved.  Be a mustard seed!