Matthew 13:31-35
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; 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." 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." All this
Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a
parable. This was to fulfill 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."
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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."
Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
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"Heavenly
Father, 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."
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