Preparing to expand

I recently had a picture of a balloon that was encapsulated by something like papier-mâché. As the balloon expanded, the papier-mâché was unable to expand with it and started to tear apart. The balloon continued to expand unhindered by the limitations of the papier-mâché.

Expansion is built into the Kingdom of God.

In Matthew 13 Jesus describes the kingdom as being like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. It is the smallest of seeds that grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a place where birds can perch. It is first planted in the field, then it grows and expands, impacting the world around it and providing rest and protection.

Jesus also describes the kingdom as being like yeast that a woman mixed into dough. A small amount mixed in expands throughout the whole dough to make a significant amount of bread, about 50 loaves according to the measurements mentioned. It speaks of great expansion and abundance with the ability to feed ourselves, our family and many more. It is first mixed into the dough, then it expands and provides abundant food and nourishment for the world around us.

What causes the expansion to happen? The man planted the seed and the woman added the yeast, but the expansion was in the seed and in the yeast itself. We don’t cause the expanding. The ability to expand is built within the kingdom itself.

Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. [Is 9:7]

The Kingdom of God will expand. It is always expanding.

This expanding kingdom is within us, according to Luke 17:21. That could present some challenges to us. When our structure of understanding, culture, comfort and limitations come face to face with an expanding kingdom, we are faced with a choice. We can stubbornly hold onto our understanding and limitations and remain the same, convincing ourselves that we are not stuck and that papier-mâché is desirable. Or we can surrender our agendas, allowing our understanding and limitations to be challenged, changed or even torn apart if required, to allow this Kingdom of God to expand within us and beyond us.

Which choice will we make? Which choices do we make?

Do we choose inter-dependence or independence, surrender or selfishness, community and vulnerability or isolation, humility or pride and disrespect, hunger and heart engagement or apathy and self satisfaction?

May His Kingdom come and His will be done in our lives as it is in Heaven. May the soil of our hearts soften and hunger to expand with this Kingdom that is full of life, joy, peace, abundance and love.