Another parable He spoke to them: “The Kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” Matthew 13:24

Our Lord delivered two parables about the Kingdom of God. In the parable of the sower, only one-forth of the hearts would bring forth good fruit. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus explains that Satan will be working against the efforts of God’s people. I can imagine these disciples, hearing these parables, would become discouraged thinking about the work they would be sent out to do. 

Jesus teaches the parable of the leaven to encourage us that the Kingdom WILL grow, even if it seems slow and unnoticeable. Just like the unseen work of leaven, don’t lose heart, the influence of God will permeate in the world and change the lives of people! Many times preachers, elders and congregations are measured by numbers. Generally, when people ask me where I preach, the second question is “how many attend there?” I certainly want to see the building full, but I would rather answer “how much do they love the Lord?” Our responsibility is to plant and water the seed, God will give the increase (1Corinthians 3:6). When we feel like our efforts are not working, when it feels like God’s will is not effective, remember what Isaiah wrote, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (55:11). 

By: Justin Odom