You Can Be Something Big!

Shawn Mendes thinks something big is happening:

Something big I feel it happening
Out of my control
Push and pull and then it’s grabbing me,
Feel it in my bones like
Whoa oh oh oh oh….

—Shawn Mendes, Something Big

Then more whoas, and ohs, and whoas – you get the picture.

And why shouldn’t Shawn Mendes write this song?  This Canadian born 16-year-old sensation’s life has been one big roller coaster of bigger and better success, and he is the life of the party right now.

What’s really amazing to me is how his humble beginnings have juggernauted into Bieber-esque status with just six second cover videos and Vine!

There’s just something about hearing the words “something big” that make you want to be a part of it, right?  Whether it’s jumping on a Gangnam-style dance craze or retweeting what’s trending on Twitter, there is a desire in our nature to hitch our wagons to the stars.

The problem is, most of those stars end up being the shooting kind.  They are brilliant and exhilarating, but before you know it, they have burned out and faded into the darkness of (Rebecca Black’s) Friday.

So if I want to truly be a part of “something big” – where do I turn?

May I suggest looking into the words and truth of what God tells us on the subject?  Because back in Jesus’ day, there were a whole bunch of disciples who desired to be a part of something – not only big – but the biggest.  They wanted their lives to count for eternity, so Jesus painted this picture for them:

 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade” (Mark 4:30-32).

Have you ever seen a mustard seed?  They are extremely tiny little dudes that would easily get lost in your carpet if you dropped one on the floor. So why does Jesus reference mustard seeds to describe to His followers what the Kingdom of God is like?

Because even though they are tiny – they become something big!

They start in an insignificant way, yet when they are done growing they are huge plants that provide shelter, rest, and food.

And when you think about it, the initial legacy that Jesus left was an insignificant mustard seed.  One of His best friends betrayed Him, His followers denied Him, and His movement was dropped and lost in the midst of the great Roman Empire.

But then…something big happened!

After Jesus resurrected from the dead, these former followers became dedicated disciples, and the gospel exploded across Israel’s landscape like an out of control wildfire!  The Kingdom of God went from Jerusalem to Rome in just 30 years, and within a century it had overtaken the Roman Empire!

Now 2000 years later, this little mustard seed has grown into the biggest and most influential movement on the planet, with billions of followers in every corner of the world and an immeasurable amount of impact on the lives of the depressed, the distressed, the downtrodden, and the disenfranchised.

So you, my friend, may feel like an insignificant little mustard seed who is in danger of being dropped and forgotten, but I am here to promise you (in Jesus’ name) that when you commit your time, talent, and treasure to THE Cause, you are definitely part of something big! Each time you share the gospel, pray for a friend, defend your faith, or minister to the least of these, you expand the Kingdom of God in greater proportions.

Our walk with Jesus Christ gives shelter to those who have been weakened by the elements of the world.

Our obedience to the teachings of the Lord give rest to those exhausted by religion and the insatiable guilt of trying to earn God’s approval on our own merit.

And our boldness in sharing the words of Jesus brings food to the hungry souls of our friends whose hearts are like a ship adrift in the stormy seas of life on planet earth.

Shawn Mendes sings about something big, but you can live your Christian life out loud for THE Cause and be a part of the biggest thing that has ever happened!

Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action

When I hear Shawn Mendes sing Something Big, it reminds me of following Jesus, because whatever we do in His name for the Kingdom of God becomes something that lasts for eternity!

Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause

Pray: Father, we commit ourselves to following You in our pursuit to expand the Kingdom of God.  Empower us in our works and words to glorify Your name and bring people into a relationship with You.

Read: Matthew 13:33. Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

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