Jesus opens each of these parables the same way, “the kingdom of heaven is like…” He describes the kingdom using these parable stories so that we can picture what the kingdom is like. This week we have explored each of these illustrations about the kingdom. We learned that the kingdom won’t ultimately be overrun by weeds. We learned that even the smallest seed of the kingdom can grow into a huge tree of hope. We learned that the kingdom is alive and expanding through the dough of the world.
Jesus seemed to think that it was important for us to know that his kingdom is alive and unquenchable. Today I want to offer you a simple prayer practice to help you meditate on these aspects of God’s kingdom.
Find a place where you can spend a few minutes with focused attention. Close your eyes and imagine the world all around you completely enveloped in darkness. Imagine the room you are in: dark. The building you are in: dark. The street and city and state: completely dark. Now, pray this portion of the Lord’s prayer, “Lord, let your kingdom come and your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.”
As you pray that prayer picture a spark of light moving into the dark room. Picture the light swirling around the room illuminating it gradually. Pray the prayer over and over. Each time you pray it, picture the light filling a dark corner of the room. Picture it entering your body and illuminating a dark corner of your soul. Picture it breaking out of the room and illuminating the building you are in. Picture it expanding beyond the building and into the street.
The kingdom of heaven is like yeast. It is alive and it expands and permeates everything eventually. It may start small but it is a force to be reckoned with.
By Aaron Bjorklund
