We

know that the world we live in has many good things and amazing

blessings, but there is also hardship and brokenness. Ever since our

first parents fell into sin (Genesis 3), there has been toil and

trouble amid all the good things God provides us in life.

We

can find and cultivate all kinds of good food, but we have to work

hard for it. We can enjoy good health, but we can also get sick—and

even die. Nature can be breathtakingly beautiful, but it can also be

viciously cruel.

In

his parable about the wheat and the weeds, Jesus points out the

corruption and brokenness of life in this world. And because there is

still much good amid the damaging effects of sin and evil, he is

willing to wait for the time of harvest. At that time the judgment

will come, and the weeds, representing wicked people and all their

evil works and systems, will be cast out (see Matthew 13:36-43).

In

the meantime, though, the kingdom of God will grow in surprising

ways, like the huge plant that grows from a tiny mustard seed. At

first it may not even be noticeable. But as it takes root and grows,

the good seed of the kingdom spreads far and high and deep and wide,

providing comfort and support and rest and peace, even amid the

troubles of everyday life.

Have

you found the peace and rest of the kingdom of God, and will you help

others find it too?