"He told them still another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.'" Matthew 13:33
Like a small amount of yeast that pervades a large amount of dough causing it to rise so the kingdom of heaven is pevasive and infectious. As the message of the King is taught, received, and worked carefully into our lives it will spread thoughout our whole life and into the lives of those near us. Teaching, sharing, and applying God's kingdom truth faithfully will result in the sure spread of His reign.
Father, help me to embrace your kingdom so that if pevades my whole being and is spread into the lives of others through me.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
One of Jesus’ favorite ways of teaching was by parables. With these pithy stories Jesus invites us to see the Kingdom clearly and powerfully. Jesus now spreads before His disciples seven parables (possibly eight) describing what the Kingdom heaven is like. He uses this form of information-sharing so that those who are serious (the disciples) will get the truth and understanding. Those who have closed minds, closed eyes and closed ears demonstrate that their hearts are calloused. These will not get understanding. Proverbs 2 tells us that if we would gain understanding, we must seek and search diligently of it. This passage tells me that many may hear the Word but unless they seek to understand (take it to the next level and prepare to apply) they may come away with nothing. “When anyone hears the message about the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.” Something in the process of understanding requires more than a casual reading or hearing. The promise on the other hand for those who understand is staggering. Can you imagine sowing one seed and reaping 100, or 60, or 30? ....or sowing one act of kindness and reaping 100?...or sowing one encouraging word to a fellow traveler and getting back 60?...or serving someone who can not pay you back and receiving 30 times that from others? Those who have ears, let them hear (understand and put into practice). The people of Jesus’ hometown saw no miracles because of their lack of faith. I am encouraged by this passage to seek to understand more. This means I must apply myself more to the process of seeking, searching, asking questions, praying about, and researching. Many times at the University (car CD University) I just have to turn off the CD and think about what I just listened to. This time has become a source of understanding beyond study. My teacher (the Holy Spirit) has a way of helping me understand.
ReplyDelete