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.” [Matthew 13:33 NLT
I can imagine bakers listening to this parable as Jesus spoke about making bread.
These had an experiential understanding of the effect that yeast has on dough.
In these words Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as an agent of expansion and growth.
Here is a definition that I think describes the purpose of leaven:
"An element, influence, or agent that works subtly to lighten, enliven, or modify a whole."When I consider the words lighten and enliven I think about something that is growing.
I once heard, and it seems to be true, that healthy organisms grow.
When the kingdom of heaven comes we often experience subtle growth and change.
When we pray "Thy kingdom come ... on earth as it is in heaven" we are asking:
- for spiritual life to invade our world and modify it;
- to become heavenly kingdom agents of spiritual expansion;
- God to take a seed of faith and produce spiritual fruit.
Such life begins in an instant and expands within us for the rest of our days.
And in the end, every part of our lives is permeated by the Kingdom of Heaven.
Let your kingdom come and expand in me today Lord.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Great thoughts. I love the way that you tie it down to us and our response to His words.
ReplyDeleteLeaven is such a small part of the recipe, yet without leaven the bread is so different.
Let your kingdom come in me as well, Lord.