DJD221 - Clear and Simple

[David Edgren]

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Scripture: 

Psalm 1:1, 2

Starting Question:

What is the purpose of life?

Clear and Simple


* Continued from yesterday *

But what are the three measures referencing?

Nothing really. Just making the kitchen feel real. It's a metaphor. The primary meaning is the important one. The rest of the details (like in a good story) are just to bring it to life - make it believable. Three loaves of bread, in the making. The yeast has the same impact on all three.

Perhaps just to show: yeast = growth. It always has impact. Repetition is the best teacher. Sin always corrupts. God's Kingdom always empowers. 

The more I think about it, the more I think Jesus was being tricksy... He loved mixing things up to get people thinking. On the normal person - one who made and ate bread - the impact of Jesus' statement would have been, "Ah, like yeast - makes sense. God's Kingdom makes us grow." On the scholar - one who knew the Bible well - the impact of Jesus statement would have been, "YEAST IS SIN! He can't do that! He is saying God's Kingdom is like SIN! That's blasphemy!"

Smart man, that Jesus. He got a message to everyone - God's Kingdom changes everything.

Thanks Dave, makes a lot of sense.  So you're saying as yeast spreads so will the Kingdom of God spread until it eventually wipes out all evil and takes over the whole earth???

God's people - filled with His Spirit - will continue to tell the Jesus story and live the message of reconciliation (making all things right between people and God) until the Earth has been fully made aware of our Creator Redeemer. Then Jesus will come and finish the job!
Every time a child of God rubs shoulders with a non-believer they are rubbing the Kingdom of Jesus up against that person. As Jesus becomes familiar to the person (through our actions and words) they come closer to the Kingdom until one day they decide to move into God's Kingdom.

and about the yeast. Yes, it's just a metaphor. Very few comparisons in the Bible are actually prophetic. Many are metaphors. We do ourselves a HUGE disservice when we over interpret metaphors turning them into signs and symbols. It can lead to cultish beliefs with little connection to God or the true meaning of His Word.

The primary purposes for us in the Bible are stated clear and simple. 
No guessing about what they mean! 

Believe in Jesus and live.
Do unto others as you wish done to you.
To be forgiven, you must forgive.
Obey from love, not fear.
Show people how to heal relationships.
Feed the poor.
Care for the sick.
Treat children kindly.
Show compassion.
Be attentive.
Empower others.

You speak well.... We miss you and your messages.

Thanks!

Reflection Question:

Which of the 'clear and simple' statements is your favourite? Why?

Prayer time:

Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?

Further Reading:
The Review and Herald, March 9, 1897

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