Several weeks into the COVID-19 lockdown, we have seen shortages of toilet roll, hand sanitiser, bread, and now, apparently, yeast.
This made me think of the Parable of the Yeast, also known as the Parable of the Leaven, which appears in Matthew and Luke and is one of the shortest parables.
And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
The parable is usually interpreted to signify the growth of the Kingdom of God from small beginnings; working from within, God works invisibly but comprehensively.
Today, people have got used to purchasing yeast in shops, but that wasn't always the case. A sourdough starter can be made at home with nothing but flour, water and patience. This is because yeast is widespread all around us in all our day to day environments.
I think this fact adds another perspective to the parable. Like the yeast, God is all around us at all times; you don't have to go to the store - or the church to find Him.
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