20 And again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21 “It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” Luke 13:18-21.
It is interesting to see the contrast within each description of the kingdom of heaven. It is also interesting to compare each description of the kingdom of heaven.
Regarding the first description of the kingdom of heaven, we see the contrast that the kingdom of heaven is large and extensive and powerful like a tree, but it is also gentle such that the birds can nest in the branches. “The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.” Psalm 84:3
Regarding the second description of the kingdom of heaven, we see the contrast that the kingdom of heaven is extensive like three pecks flour (“a large quantity” – Click here: Pecks – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary ), but it is also gentle (and pure) such that you can add it to food.
A comparison between the two descriptions shows us three things about the kingdom of heaven. First, the kingdom of heaven started with a very small beginning, kind of like it was hidden like a mustard seed in the earth or leaven buried within the flour. Second, the kingdom of heaven grew, expanded, or permeated to powerfully be and affect a very large amount. Third, the kingdom of heaven is gentle and can accommodate the pure.
The powerful size or the powerful permeation of the kingdom of heaven should be encouraging to us. Some wrongly wring their hands in worry as if the kingdom of heaven is weak and impotent. This belief and attitude dishonors God. But, we see here that the kingdom of heaven is large and glorious like a tree and that it powerfully permeates and affects everything: “… the word of truth, the gospel … has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing …”. Colossians 1:5-6.
It was never the intent of God that everyone be saved. However, it was the intent of God that everyone be held accountable. “… so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;” Romans 3:19. The kingdom of heaven does that (holds everyone accountable). Praise God!
“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’ ” Psalm 2:7-9.
But, the kingdom of heaven is also gentle. “A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.” Matthew 12:20
“11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:11-12.
“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You! ” Psalm 84:11-12.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 