Kingdom Secrets

Many a times, we hesitate to share the gospel of the kingdom of God, because we lack the understanding of its profoundness and greatness. Once a friend of mine brought me a fruit drink, which I drank for the first time in my life. It was butter fruit and it was wow! And ever since I prescribe it to all, without any hesitation. A deeper understanding of God’s kingdom helps us to proclaim it with all boldness.

Jesus shared so much about the kingdom of heaven and in Matthew chapter 13, He compares it with so many things, so that we might understand its significance – what it is and what it can do in our lives and that of the others.

The least becomes the greatest

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)

However insignificant our work of the gospel  and the efforts in establishing kingdom of God might appear or be, it will grow to greater heights. Probably the people among whom we are might seem powerful and great to us, that we might fear sharing the Kingdom’s gospel to them. Cheer up and gear up, even as you continue to share it, the kingdom of heaven will grow so big that it will become refuge to all the people around you. And if you think least of yourself, be strong, even as you continue to have a relationship with God, you will become great that God will make you a refuge for others.

The hidden influences

He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Matthew 13:33 (ESV)

Again, however small and hidden God’s kingdom & its work might be, it will influence all who come in contact with it. And it has the power to transform everyone it touches. May be your work is small, but it will influence. You might be weak and powerless, but the kingdom of heaven and the gospel is powerful. And when that kingdom is in you, you become powerful too – to transform others, for God.

The hidden & unseen brings joy

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44 (ESV)

For someone who sees from the outside, peripherally, the kingdom of heaven is unattractive and he doesn’t understand its value. It’s value is understood only by those who dig deep enough to see & understand its worth. The one who experiences that, experiences great joy; that he would be willing to give everything away, to sacrifice anything, to retain that joy.

The great price pearl

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)

Kingdom of heaven is found by the one who seeks – who seeks after the Truth. He is a noble seeker, who seeks after the greatest. And if his pursuit is true & genuine, it will end in God’s kingdom – in him knowing Jesus Christ. Because nothing else is greater than kingdom of heaven and no one is greater than Jesus. And when he finds this Pearl of great price, he will be willing to give away all the other lesser ones – the religious, philosophical, ideological,  traditional, cultural, academic, monetary, relational pearls.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to safeguard and share the joy that I received through receiving Your kingdom in my life.

Help me to value Your kingdom greater than everything else, which I sought and found.

Understanding that Your kingdom is the greatest, help me not to look at the insignificance of my present work, but to continue to do Your work knowing & believing that it will grow bigger one day and will be the refuge for all.

However small might be my part in the kingdom’s work and however powerless I might feel about myself, Lord help me to always understand that Your kingdom & the gospel has the power to influence & transform all who it touches.