Labor Day in the Kingdom of Heaven

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matthew 13:33

Have you ever made yeast or sourdough bread?
It takes some effort but the results are absolutely scrumptious. 

To make the bread it takes either yeast or sourdough starter. Just a small amount is added to several cups of flour. The starter or yeast is the leavening agent.  It is small organisms that live and grow on carbohydrates. When it is mixed with the flour and water the organisms begin to consume the carbs and multiply giving off CO2 in the process causing the dough to rise. I know, it sounds like a food channel explanation but it is important to the understanding of the parable.

The Kingdom of heaven is explained by Jesus in John 18:36 as a spiritual kingdom, one in which His servants did not take up physical arms against the enemy but rather participate in spiritual warfare. Christ's servants are a small group in this world but like leaven in the flour, we are a conquering army when we stand up in word and deed for Christ's kingdom.

Daniel 2:31-45 tells us Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In the dream, Nebuchadnezzar was the golden head. The kingdoms became less important in value or effect as they followed Nebuchadnezzar. Next were the Medes and Persians, then the Greeks, followed by the Romans who were in power at the time of Jesus. 

Finally, in the dream, a small stone was cut without hands and smote the toes of the image breaking them in pieces. The stone became a great mountain filling the whole earth. That stone is Jesus and His kingdom that to this day continues to expand and grow filling the whole earth with the gospel. 

As Christians, what is our vision of the Kingdom of Heaven? Matthew 13:44 says we are a treasure that Jesus gave up all to have as His own. He left heaven and gave His life on a cross. Are we not to live as treasures bought with a price? 

We must be the ones to keep the stone rolling, the leaven expanding, the kingdom growing. We must be of one heart and one mind to fill the whole earth with the gospel of the Lord.

Hey Kids:

Have you ever helped mom or grandma make a loaf of bread? Fall is the perfect time to give it a try. The smell of warm bread baking wafting on the cool air is mouth-watering. 

It takes time just like it takes time and effort to expand Christ's kingdom but the results are well worth the effort. 

Here's a recipe that may get you started.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/basic-homemade-bread/

If like me, you prefer a whole grain recipe just google whole-grain yeast breads. You're likely to find a whole basket of recipes.