Kingdom Momentum
Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Matthew 13:31-33
I grew up on old sitcoms. One of my favorite ones was a show called ‘I Love Lucy.’ It was about a woman named Lucy who married a man from Cuba named Ricky, and together they experienced various comedic situations. In one episode, Lucy worked at a chocolate factory where she was responsible for wrapping chocolates. Initially, she managed the task well, but as the conveyor belt sped up, she struggled to keep up with the pace. Despite her efforts, she was unable to succeed resorting to strategies such as stuffing chocolate in her pockets and work hats. This episode highlighted the difficulties of working outside the home compared to domestic work, and Lucy’s husband gained a better understanding of her challenges as he took on homemaking duties. As I reminisce about it, my focus was not on her inability to do the job. Instead, it was that the momentum of the chocolate conveyor that could not be controlled.
One of my concerns about the church over the years is how it has somehow lost its momentum. While it is difficult for me to understand, something I have come to realize is that when I am doing Christianity right, people respond positively to me. No, I do not have a thunderous voice like many preachers or other individuals, and this is no slight on them at all. Instead, I trust who I am in God, and do my best to let His light shine through my every interaction. That is how He works best in me, and others, believers or not, gravitate to that. That is what I believe brings God’s Kingdom here on earth.
As Christians, one of our biggest challenges is ensuring that our faith and actions align with Christ's teachings rather than being influenced by worldly desires. In His parables, Jesus beautifully illustrates the growth of God's Kingdom. He compares it to a mustard seed that starts small but grows into the largest plant in the garden, and to yeast that a woman mixes into flour until it permeates the entire dough. These illustrate how God's Kingdom expands and transforms, starting from something seemingly insignificant to something big and all-encompassing. Andy Stanley points out these parables are representative of how Christianity grew beyond Judea and Rome to spread throughout the world.
Initially, I interpreted these stories as signs of God's personal growth within us. While there is some truth to that, the bigger picture becomes clearer when we consider the collective growth of His Kingdom. Jesus emphasizes a community, a Kingdom, not just an individual. These parables serve as a call to action for us to live Christ-centered lives, visibly and vocally sharing His message of love and grace with the world. When we do this genuinely, others are naturally drawn to His light within us.
Some might argue that serving God means focusing solely on our relationship with Him. However, Jesus teaches us in Mark 10:43-45 that true growth in His Kingdom comes through serving others: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." This passage makes it clear that our mission is to serve others, not just ourselves.
When we submit our will to His and serve others selflessly, we build momentum for God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ approach is radically different from what the world expects. By letting His light shine through us, our actions become living testimonies of His love and grace. This, in turn, draws others to His Kingdom, allowing it to flourish both within us and through those who experience His love and grace. Let us embrace this calling and build momentum for God’s Kingdom together. What part of you must you submit to God’s authority? Where can you expand God’s Kingdom in your sphere of influence? My prayer is that we allow God to use us to build that Kingdom momentum. Amen.