The Lord, speaking to Ezekiel, and in the parable of the mustard seed in the Gospel, is talking about how he is to form his people. There is an allusion in Ezekiel to the Lord “taking his people from the midst of another people/nation”, that’s referenced elsewhere in Scripture, to the Exodus from Egypt. For the Lord to form us as individuals and peoples for himself, he often must take us from another/from elsewhere – away from our place of slavery and sin that robs us of life. And he can do this with very little. That’s all he may require from us, and all that we’re capable of giving him either in the beginning or at other difficult times along our spiritual life.
He wants to take that little bit and bring it on high, make it large, bear fruit, attract others to it and restore it to the dignity and purpose that the Lord has desired for us from the beginning, and communicate the same to others. Jesus says in the gospel of John, “I’ve come that they might have life and to have it in abundance!” If this seems difficult or impossible to us, it is made abundantly clear, “I, the Lord, have spoken; I WILL accomplish it”. We might not see the fullness of that in this life, just like the divine justice upon the wicked, but we are assured that the Lord will see to it that everything will be set right, brought to completion and be beyond our expectations.
Paul, in his letter, expresses a strong longing for and confidence in that fulfilment. Even now, and no matter what, we are God’s – so we should strive to make everything a pleasing offering to him. The first parable of the Gospel also reminds us that the work we are called to do here is an active participation in that work of Christ. Though we may not know what effect we’re having, we are assured that when things are ready, we will be aware and that the proper course of our action should be obvious to us and will lead to good and Godly things.
– Aaron Neiva