Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35
31 Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." 33 He told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened." 34 All this Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."
Meditation: What can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about
the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree
which
attracted numerous
birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced.
God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest
beginnings
in the hearts of
men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works
unseen
and causes a transformation from within. Leaven is another powerful
agent
of change. A
lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough.
But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which
produces
rich and wholesome bread when heated — the staple of life for humans.
The
kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new
life
which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield our lives to Jesus Christ and
allow his word to take root in our heart, we are transformed and made
holy
by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle
says,
"we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the
transcendent
power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe
in the
transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
"Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the
Christ-like
holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in
me
a holy desire to live
for your greater glory."
Psalm 145:8-9,15-18
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has
made.
15 The eyes of all look to thee, and thou givest them their food in
due season.
16 Thou openest thy hand, thou satisfiest the desire of every living
thing.
17 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon
him in truth.