Let Us RISE!

READING FOR THE DAY:
Matthew 13 (click the link)


KEY PASSAGE:
He spoke another parable to them, “ The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” (Matthew 13:33, NASB)


THE BIG PICTURE:
Many sermons have been given and entire books written on chapter 13 of Matthew. After reading and re-reading the parables of Jesus, I am again overwhelmed by the rhema word of God.

Jesus teaches the first parable of the sower and the seed from a boat to the multitudes gathered on the shoreline. Afterwards, He gives answer to the disciples question about what the teaching means by using part of the prophesy of Isaiah, (paraphrased)  that some will hear and not understand, some will see and not perceive, but they—the disciples—have been granted knowledge of  the mysteries of heaven. And as Isaiah states, “return and be healed.”

Jesus continues to speak in parables. Next is the sower of the good seed and the tares (darnel—a weed that resembles wheat) that grew in his field. Then Jesus teaches about the tiny mustard seed growing tall and strong in the garden. Then the shortest parable found in verse 33 is about the yeast or leaven hidden in the meal. The woman hides the leaven in three pecks of meal… that’s about 6 dry gallons! She must be getting ready for a party to bake that much bread!


PONDERINGS:
I think the first time I had an inkling of understanding for verse 13:33 and the seemingly silent works of Christ was through the amazing power of yeast and making pizza dough with our girls.

When our girls were little, we regularly made pizza on Friday nights.  Sometimes we would make our own crust.  The girls and I would mix the ingredients flour, water, oil, little salt, little sugar and one little packet of yeast. We kneaded the mixture until all six hands were glumpy with the sticky mess. Finally we would have a nice ball of dough ready to go in the oiled bowl and under the cover of a damp cotton towel.  Then it was time to wait and let it be for awhile. After an hour or so there was always great anticipation to lift the towel and peek at how big the dough had gotten. The little ball now bursting out of the bowl had a rich aroma so full you could taste it. Now the time was right to stretch the dough onto a pizza pan. Ready to serve its purpose.

We had waited and although we couldn’t see the leaven at work, we knew it was doing what it does naturally. It makes things rise and become more full.

Not too long ago, a friend and I were emailing about something and she had a wonderful suggestion about how to approach an issue. She recommended to sit with this for a bit and to ask for God's perspective concerning the topic. I was reminded of how the yeast works in the bread, how it works slowly and completely, how it spreads throughout and affects everything in the mixture… and we don’t even see it.

When multiple things happen in my life regarding a particular point of scripture, it seems I better take notice. For some time now I have received a short daily devotion and last month one of the devos was on Matthew13:33. The writer explained that we are more, because of the addition of yeast, than we could be with just the flour meal of our lives. “As we have been changed we move into the world.  The yeast of the kingdom of heaven that is in us then changes the world around us.  All this takes time.  Our yeast presence literally changes the taste of the world.”


QUESTIONS & RHEMA ANSWERS:
In verse 35 Jesus refers back to Psalm 78 when he says he will “utter things hidden.” 

How often do I miss the “hidden” parts of life that Jesus has for me? How often do I not wait for the leaven to take effect and I jump the gun? How often do I not ask for God’s perspective? And does my presence ever change the taste of the world?

Because of what scripture tells me, I believe that I do have a purpose in God’s kingdom. I believe He will reveal the unseen. I believe that the Lord works in those hidden ways He’s so good at. I believe God’s perspective will lay on me even in my anxiousness. And, that in time, the presence of yeast in the simple meal of my life will make a difference.


PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for a de-scaling of my eyes to really see Your world. Unclutter my thoughts to know Your desires. Clean out my ears to hear and absorb what You say to me. Wash out my mouth so there is a proper place for Your words. Thank You Lord for You. Thank You for the quiet simple ways You move. Thank You for the little packet of yeast.


WHO AM I?
I am Gayle Norris. I am great at making messes in the kitchen, but not necessarily a great baker. I have great respect for those who can make flaky crusts, tender bread and crispy fruity dessert things.  I really like making those messes in the kitchen, especially with the help of extra hands.