I love figuring out patterns. . . I study the brain, and well. . .  our brain loves patterns – it loves to be able to recognize themes/consistancies in our experiences and then go on to not only predict what will happen next. These recognized patterns can lead to bad things . . . such as stereotypes, prejudice, and belittling assumptions, but. . . . they can also lead to good things such as empathy, organization, and an understanding of the “big picture” . . . . here is one such pattern that Rob Wegner reminded me of this past weekend:

1. God says . . .think small. . . big will come – Matthew 13:33 (NIV)

33 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.”

I love how I have read this passage many times, and know of the parable. . . and just skipped right over the “3 measures of four” part because, . .  . well, I have no idea what that means. . . I mean. . . of course you use flour in bread  – right, what is the significance of that.

The early audience of this message would have understood this at a much deeper level. . . 3 full measures of flour = 11 two-liter Coke bottles full of dough = about 100lbs of dough. . . yeah, . . . we are NOT talking about one small loaf of bread here!. . . and yet, Jesus says the power of the kingdom of God is only having to use “a little bit of yeast” and it will work its way through all 100lbs of dough!

God says. . . when big problems come upon you. . . THINK SMALL. . . .it is through small interventions that big problems are solved, . . . do not wait for some huge solution. . . . instead have faith that one small solution followed by another, and another, etc… you know, . . . like the small changes/decisions that we make in our lives – it is through these. . . that huge solutions are made. . . – - – God is telling us here that in God’s kingdom. . .  there is an immensity in smallness . . . . remember, the Kingdom of God is also like a mustard seed, which (Matthew 13:32 NIV) though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.

If this is all true. . . . then we can start looking at things completely differently. . . . so, it is the small things that we do. . . . the everyday things that can bring the kingdom of God . . . things that we already know how to do . . . . no more excuses on not being “prepared” or not “knowing enough of the Bible” - 

here is my mustard seed list today

• smiling at someone that I do not know
• not complaining today, but being encouraging
• giving my wife and kids a great big hug and kiss when I get home today – before I say word or do anything else
• caring for my students – listening to them
• not exaggerating any stories today
• asking my 2 of my colleagues how they are doing today. . . and having the time to listen
• being grateful, not greedy
• calling a friend that I have been meaning to call for months

Make a list for yourself. . . and see what God does with your small interventions . . .

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