The Mustard Seed Principleਨਮੂਨਾ

Unassumingness

Much of our Christian work looks unassuming. There is no fanfare, no trumpets, and no remarkable story. For some, it happened by feeding one man, taking care of one orphan, or providing financial support for one student. It is often hidden, not front-line news, and goes mostly unnoticed, at least initially.

Think of the Early Christian church. About 120 walked into the Upper Room. Just over 300 years later, Christianity became the majority religion. And this happened during 300 years of horrendous persecution. An unassuming beginning. Eleven men who carried the stamp on them as men who had been with Jesus. The Bible says: When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marvelled and noted that these men had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response (Acts 4:13-14; BSB). No, a remarkable testimony – but they changed the world!

You see, it may start in “hiddenness” - when you are alone with Jesus and when Jesus is with you, something will happen. It seems like nothing when you plant one mustard seed, but you are actually planting a big tree.

Do you know the name John Egglen? Probably not.

John Egglen had NEVER preached a sermon in his life. One snowy Sunday morning on January 6, 1850, the pastor couldn't make it to church. As the only deacon that morning, Egglen felt that it was his responsibility to serve the congregation as a substitute preacher, even though he considered himself ill-equipped.

He got up and shared the Gospel with the 13 people who showed up that morning (12 members and a 15-year-old boy). His sermon was only ten minutes long. He preached from Isaiah 45:22 (KJV): "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Understandably, it was not a polished sermon, but it was a faithful one.

At the end of his short sermon, Egglen pointed to the teenage visitor and said, "Young man, look to Jesus Christ. Look! Look! Look now!" Charles, the 15-year-old boy, turned to Jesus that morning. That teenager who gave his life to Christ that morning was Charles Haddon Spurgeon (who preached nearly 3,600 sermons, published 150 books, and produced 63 volumes of sermons. He influenced millions of Christians – even today).

So, on that snowy morning, Egglen walked six miles in the cold to church to deliver his ten-minute inaugural sermon to just 13 people. God used this faithful 'substitute preacher' to raise the renowned "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon!