The small and humble make a big difference
by Faye Schmidt
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What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about 60 pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough (Luke 13:20,21).
Read Luke 13:18-30
Have you ever baked your own bread? During the COVID lockdowns across the country, there were shortages of flour as people found themselves confined to their homes with time to challenge themselves to make their own bread.
It all starts with the yeast, the smallest ingredient used in the process that makes everything happen. But what is yeast? A dictionary tells me that it is a ‘single-cell organism, called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which needs food, warmth and moisture to thrive’.
So, although yeast has much power, left to sit on a shelf it does nothing except deteriorate in effectiveness if not used when fresh. The yeast also needs flour, warmth and moisture to yield a product.
Scripture teaches us that those who are baptised and believe in Christ as their Saviour are already part of God’s kingdom. We may not be many – we may be out-numbered in our family or community. But our text tells us that we are like the yeast, that where we are fed with God’s word and the sacraments, bathed in the warmth of fellow believers and daily aware of the waters of our baptism, the kingdom thrives.
So let us always remember that it is God’s kingdom, and although the world looks to demonstrations of might and power as giving things meaning, our God looks to the small, the humble, that in spite of their humility and size, have an influence that outstrips everything else.
That humility came into focus through Christ himself, who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross.
We praise and thank you Heavenly Father that you accept us your children and heirs of your kingdom through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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