He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough." Matthew 13:33
The smartphone, electronic device, or laptop many of you are utilizing to read this post came from humble beginnings. Believe it or not, there was a day when technology wasn't at our fingertips or small enough to fit inside our pockets. What is now the world's most valuable brand started inside a plain old garage in the suburbs of Los Altos, California.
The genius of Apple came out of a garage. It served as an epicenter for creativity, innovation, and discovery. All it took was for a few young nerds (and college dropouts) to come together, dream and "think differently."
Apple was far from an overnight sensation. Instead, it was a long journey towards changing how people viewed computers. But, their subversive mindset spread and now shapes the way we interact with the world around us and consume information.
Today's passage speaks to another underground movement that rose and spread amongst the fringe. Of all the pictures Jesus could paint to describe the way the Kingdom of God should work in the world, He decided to use yeast, something almost undetectable but undeniably powerful. A single-cell microorganism converts sugar and starch into carbon dioxide, making baked goods rise (I'm not a baker...I had to Google this fact). Then, the yeast goes to work changing everything it touches. Slowly but surely, the environment shifts—no colossal chain reaction, just a steady transformation over time.
If the Church should act like yeast, it means much of our work happens behind the scenes. We bend culture to the way of Christ not by making much of ourselves but rather by making much of God. Through faithful service, steady hearts, consistent grace, and humble gratitude, this takes place. Similar to yeast, interacting with us should cause the hearts of others to expand and become open to what makes us different.
Watching bread rise isn't captivating but an exercise in steady patience. There's not a set time for how long it takes. Instead, one judges if the yeast has done its job effectively by looking and feeling. The same principle holds for our walks and the growth of the Church. We might gain a new identity the instant we accept Christ's sacrifice, but our transformation into reflecting His heart through our words and actions happens little by little. It's gradual growth.
And our subversive work as the body of Christ in this world never ends. Pouring our energy into the places where we are planted requires time, investment, and perseverance. So, how do we not lose heart and know if our job as yeast is making a difference? The things around us will eventually look and feel different. Little by little, our homes, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and relationships will have felt the touch of His love, forgiveness, and grace. Yet, we have to RISE to the occasion and leverage every day for His glory for this to occur. Do so today. In what ways are you being yeast in the places where you are planted? Where do you need to be reminded that His work and transformation take time?
Prayer: Father God, work through me. Use me in any way You see fit. I want to quietly and humbly reflect You in everything I do. Help me to make a difference in the things I touch. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
