If I were to ask you this morning, Do you believe in miracles, what would your response be? The dictionary calls a miracle “that which causes wonder and astonishment, being extraordinary in itself and amazing or inexplicable by normal standards.” The Greek word often translated as 'miracle' is 'θαῦμα' (thauma), which means 'wonder', 'marvel', or 'awe-inspiring event'. Another related term is 'σημεῖον' (semeion), which means 'sign'. All of which Scripture tells us that what makes a miracle a miracle is God, and God alone. The term miracle is used over 30 times.
A miracle is something that happens to my friends every single day. And when we think of a miracle, I am not talking about how you found an empty parking space near the entrance to Nordstrom department, and then you got an unexpected discount on some items you purchased. A miracle is when a child says no to drugs and yes to an education. A single parent raising two children while finding time to support them at their sporting events, helping to keep their grades up in school, and providing food on the table. Our health, which miraculously returns to us in full. Then, how about the creation of the world that God did in a mere 6 days? It took one faithful man, Noah, to fulfill God’s covenant with faithfulness, ultimately saving us all as God promised restoration and new beginnings, which we are here as a result of that miracle and promise. The 10 plagues of Egypt, which ultimately led to the freedom of Israel from over 400 years of bondage. The Virgin Mary gave birth through the Holy Spirit, and the same Jesus, who was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the grave on the third day, which saved us all. These are just a few examples that are Nothing short of a miracle.
In his book, Every Deep-Drawn Breath, Critical Care Doctor Wes Ely explores the ordinary miracle of taking a breath.
We take for granted our ability to breathe. We do it again and again, one breath after another, without thinking. Yet the lungs are incredibly complex, the respiratory system made up of so many different actors, structures, and functions. Cells with hair like projections called cilia move fluid, goblet cells secrete mucus, and column-like cells line and protect. Our lungs have cells that are integral parts of our nervous system, lymphatic system … and immune system. They contain cartilage, elastic tissue, connective tissue, muscle, and glands, and all of this gives rise to a system of airways that is 1500 miles long, from New York City to Dallas, and filters every ounce of air entering the body.” What a miracle it is to breathe.
Sitting by the sea, Jesus was spurring the people with several parables, from the sower of seeds, weeds among the wheat, and the leaven bread. I would like to examine the parable of the mustard seed. Brief verses, but they are packed with hope and inspiration. “He [Jesus] presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.”
This is Jesus' direct response to what we think is insignificant —the mustard seed —and to God, it will grow to be useful for His kingdom and others. Birds come and nest. Jesus tends always to bring low visual sentiments to complete a massive point. The mustard seed was so small that it would take almost twenty thousand seeds to make one ounce.
In Jesus' day, the mustard seed held significant symbolic meaning, especially in Jewish culture. It was commonly known as one of the smallest seeds used by farmers in the region, yet it could grow into a relatively large plant, sometimes reaching a height of 10 feet, and was known to spread rapidly. Because of its tiny size and impressive growth, the mustard seed was often used as a metaphor for small beginnings that lead to substantial outcomes. It is no wonder that this parable holds a profound meaning. Through this parable of the mustard seed, Jesus illustrates the transformative power of faith and the surprising growth of God's kingdom when planted in receptive hearts. Looking seriously at yourselves today, how keen are you in sowing the seeds of God and faithfully knowing you will reap the reward? A simple example that Rev. T.D. Jake mentioned that if there is something minor wrong with your car, we would take it almost anywhere to be fixed. But if there is serious trouble with it, whom do you trust? How do we, as believers, truly rely on God in our everyday lives, trusting in His provision and grace when we tend to stray away from His presence in doing things our way? I hope you can honestly say that your faith in God proved to be the point. Nothing short of a miracle. Are you worthy? None of us are! Are we sinless? Not a chance! Do we read, study, and pray as we should? Probably not! So, why even think for a moment that God wouldn’t supply our greatest need, even through a miracle? “But when He [Jesus] saw the multiites, He was move with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd. “Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them and He healed the sick.” “The master of the servant was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.” “Jesus moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him and said, to him, I am willing, be cleansed.” No one deserves healing, freedom, forgiveness, and mercy, but we serve a God that is beyond all that, as He provides everything we need and some that grows like the mustard seed.
Can you think of a time in your life when something small turned into something meaningful through faith and perseverance—where your faith, like a mustard seed—small and uncertain—saw growth in your life?
How about small acts of faith or service you've done or witnessed that have had a surprising impact? Or even doing small, unnoticed things that you reap benefits beyond measure, from feeling God’s spirit to blessing you in immeasurable ways? Especially in aiding someone else’s life?
Just as Jesus Himself declares, the Kingdom of God is like this mustard seed being planted and God provided the growth; all because we, His obedient servants, were willing and faithful with what little faith we had, with what little responsibility was given to us, with what little unnoticed tasks we have done or continue to do for others. All of this shines brightly towards nothing short of a miracle. Jesus says, 'Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.'
Let me leave you with two final points to consider today. The mustard seed should encourage us - The kingdom of heaven is destined for great things, though its beginning was small, even with the tasks we give. The kingdom of heaven starts here, with us, now! We are helpful in the Master's ever-growing kingdom. Secondly, the seed of God will always become a tree! Its nothing short of a miracle who God is. God is the GOD OF MIRACLES. God of great compassion.
Repeat with me. I’m only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. God does Miracles, and I am of God. God is the God of miracles.
Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle. Amen.