There are two parables here: the mustard seed and the leaven. Both speak to the nature of the growth of the kingdom of heaven. These parables cause us to expect an ever-growing kingdom. The kingdom of heaven may start as something that may appear to be something very small, but grows very very large. In the parable of the leaven, we see that the kingdom grows, not only extensively, but intensively as well. The kingdom of heaven is ever-growing to permeate all. This does not accord with modern sensibilities. We live in a pessimistic age. We feel conquered by an all-pervasive secular wall. It confines the church and the kingdom into very limited space. This is a false impression. It is false historically and is a lie of the evil one to discourage us. In every age, the church must advance with confidence. The circumstances that surround us do not dictate the outcome for the kingdom of heaven or the church of Jesus Christ. On the cross, there was only one faithful man left to all of humanity, but through Him, all heaven and earth shall be saved. A seemingly small beginning has secured what will increasingly be shown to be a total victory. |
