Daily Word - What Heaven Is Like - Matthew 13:31-35

Scripture:
Matthew 13:31-35 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and of the Yeast
31 He (A) presented another parable to them: "The kingdom of heaven (B) is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It's the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it's taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches." (C)
33 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds [a] of flour until it spread through all of it." (D) [b]
Using Parables Fulfills Prophecy
34 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables, and He would not speak anything to them without a parable, (E) 35 so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
I will open My mouth in parables;
I will declare things kept secret
from the foundation of the world. (F) (G)
Footnotes:
Matthew 13:33 Lit 3 sata; about 40 quarts
Matthew 13:33 Or until all of it was leavened
Cross references:
Matthew 13:31 : Mk 4:30-32; Lk 13:18-19;
Matthew 13:31 : Mt 13:24; 17:20; Lk 17:6;
Matthew 13:32 : Ps 104:12; Ezk 17:23; 31:6; Dn 4:12;
Matthew 13:33 : Gn 18:6; Lk 13:21; Gl 5:9;
Matthew 13:34 : Mk 4:34; Jn 10:6; 16:25;
Matthew 13:35 : Ps 78:2; Rm 16:25-26; 1Co 2:7; Eph 3:9; Col 1:26;
Matthew 13:35 : Ps 78:2;

Reflection:
What can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and wholesome bread when heated -- the staple of life for humans. The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor. 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory.