Sixteenth Day of Lent

Sixteenth Day of Lent

Saturday, March 18, 2017

What is the kingdom of God like. . . ?
It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden.
It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches. . . .
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.
Luke 13:18-21

Jesus must have really liked the farming analogy because here it is again! A man plants a tiny mustard seed that grows to become a huge tree providing a resting/nesting place for birds.

Then he uses an analogy that women will surely understand. The kingdom of God does the same thing to the world that yeast does to dough! It permeates the whole, making something wonderful and pleasing to the taste.

As Easter drew near, the intensity of Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom increased. His analogies are always ones that anyone can understand. No great theological discourse about God’s sovereignty, about God’s law or even grace. Just words about common things like farming and cooking.

If the kingdom is really in us, we will become nesting/resting places for all who come to us in need. If the kingdom is really in us, the yeast of our lives will permeate our every action, whether in church or on the golf course or at the Woman’s Club or in school or the grocery store. Seed cannot resist germination and growth. Dough cannot resist yeast. If the kingdom of God is within us, we will impact the world around us for that kingdom! It will just happen!

Prayer: Father, we want to be real, honest-to-goodness kingdom people! For Jesus’ sake, cause your kingdom to be so real to us and in us that change will occur all around us – change for good that will bring honor and glory to your holy name. Amen.

And He Set His Face toward Jerusalem. . . .

A Lenten Devotional Guide
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, Spring 2007,
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator