Jesus is amazing. He actually says, in Matthew 13.31 - 32, that our lives might have a shot at growing into a mustard tree. Given that a mustard tree is actually a relatively small bush, it's really not that impressive. It's definitely not indicative of the oak tree that is on the image above. It's a bush. So, Jesus says that we get a shot at becoming a bush!

You know, I'm not sure that I've nailed this or that I know exactly what He was saying. But, it's pretty amazing to think that, when planted in Christ, we might actually become someone and do some things that are utterly impossible apart from Him. He actually says that a bush (a mustard tree) might actually become a place that is a feeding ground and a resting place for those that pass by. He actually says that a 'bush' might actually become the largest of trees.

Jesus uses the foolish to confound the wise. He uses the lowly... the humble.... the simple.....the meek.... the desperate. He uses the weak to shame the strong. (1 Cor 1.26)

I don't mind being a bush. A simple person who really doesn't have a shot at eternal impact apart from Christ, when planted in Him can live, move and have being immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine! A bush that becomes a tree is impossible. A bush that becomes a tree that feeds others is confounding. A bush that becomes a tree that feeds others boasts solely in the field in which He is planted.

Let him who boasts boast in the living God. Let him boast in Jesus alone. I boast loudly in Christ. I want to live in such a way that my life is inexplicable! It just doesn't make sense. I want people to actually say, 'how in the heck did that bush just do THAT!'

The cry of the bush, "Jesus! It's Jesus Christ!! I boast in Jesus!! I just did THAT, because I am planted in Jesus!!!"

So, I'm not so audacious as to wake up today and to fail to realize that I have to converse with Christ. I am not audacious enough to fail to recognize that I desperately need His Word. I can do nothing apart from Him... His life.... His passion... His focus.... Him, living and flowing through me. I would be a bush apart from Him. But, in Him.......

It's Christ in you, your hope of glory! (Col 1.27) Oh, Happy Day!

By Grace... For Glory,

Mark