He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (31-33)
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” - Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The kingdom of heaven is unexpected and insignificant.
We don't expect that small seed to become a huge tree. We don't expect the few grains of yeast to have such a big impact. It is that one ordinary moment that, if you are watching closely, could be extraordinary.
We don't expect these things to change our life, like the treasure found while working or the unexpected windfall in ordinary oysters. It is like being finding a lottery ticket and realizing that it is the winning winning MegaMillions lottery ticket and spending your bus fare or house payment or inheritance to buy that ticket.
What we do understand is that sorting fish-the picking the good fish from the bad-is a normal activity which requires discernment. It is the same discernment pays attention and sees the amazing in the unexpected and the life-changing in the insignificant details. I think that my problem is that I get into a mode where I let so many details of life and so many people during the day and so many thoughts in my head slide by without really thinking that they are worthy paying attention to. But God puts many people, events and thoughts around me to provoke thoughts of the kingdom of heaven but doesn't always shove my face into them or repeat them. It is my job to look.
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