Perch

 DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

PERCH

Matt 13:31-32

31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." 

NIV

Certainly, the mustard seed represents the gospel that has been sown into the field, which is the world. This is clear, but what happens after might be seen in several ways. First, we would think that as the gospel first gets planted in a new believer, it is small, that is their understanding is small, but it grows and they become stronger and fully in their faith. If this is the meaning, then there is something we must also be about. If we are growing into one of the largest plants in the garden, becoming a tree, then we can see ourselves planted by the spring of living water, soaking up the word of God, and bearing much fruit in our season. However, there is more than simply our own growth here. Because of our faith, our understanding grows and grows until we have become this largest tree, one large enough for the birds of the air to perch on, then we have the burden of being the place for people to come to and find rest for their souls. This has two implications. First, those believers who are somewhat weak in their faith, or new believers who are just beginning their journey of faith, can learn from us, from our lives, our example of living by faith, they can see that Christ make a real difference in the life of someone who trusts in the Lord. We would be their encouragement, their encourager, where they can learn contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, and complete joy in the Lord. Second, the seed, the gospel, when planted in anyone, which includes us, then it grows within us into causing us to grow. Yet if that is all it is, who are those who find rest within the branches? That would have to be ourselves, that is as the gospel grows and grows within us, we find so much comfort and joy being within the kingdom of heaven, our soul is at rest, from the ravishes or chaos of the world. The fullness of the gospel gives us rest for our souls, free from worry, anxiety, frustration, and confusion. As we perch within the gospel, let us also be an example to others to find their place to perch.