URC Daily Devotion 21 February 2025

Jesus said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God?  It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

Reflection

The contrast between the growth evoked in Jesus’s two parables and the shrinking United Reformed Church seems stark. But is it? I hope we would acknowledge that God’s reign and influence is much broader than what we see in visible church life. The British State has gradually taken on much, but by no means all, of the charitable work undertaken in the past by churches. Education, provision for the poor, medical care, and housing are just four examples of reliefs previously provided by the churches that are now provided by the State in the form of schooling, benefits, the National Health Service, and council or association housing. 
 
It is understandable if Christians regard the shrinking membership and marginalization of the churches’ influence in civic life as a failure. However, one could argue that the State taking on the churches’ charitable functions is an outstanding example of the kingdom of God’s mustard-seed-growth and society-leavening success. The principle that each citizen is entitled to have basic needs provided (Luke 12:29-31) is recognised by the State, even if the State is unable to meet demand. In comparison, the welfare provision in some other nations shows that the Christian social democratic model is by no means universal. In many of these other nations, it is notable that religion often still attracts considerable adherence and provides a patchwork of social relief.  
 
Yet, especially in social democracies, the other aspect of God’s kingdom as “challenge and choice, believe the good news, repent and rejoice” (Bryn Rees) seems to have dwindling appeal. But I wonder: Is today’s visible Church a more honest and realistic remnant when compared with the past? Shorn of its previous civic and social status, today’s remnant Church is liberated to share and live out the good news experienced in confessing ‘Jesus is Lord.’ This confession liberates us from a destructive model of growth-at-all-costs. Instead, a remnant church sustained by God’s grace can grow in kindness, gratitude and joy. These humble virtues attract others.
 
Prayer
 
O God of vitality and flourishing,
save the Church from limiting your activity
to worldly models of growth.
Instead, like the astonishing mustard seed
and the permeating yeast,
help the Church to rejoice when your kingdom-values
are taken up by structures and State.
Inspire your Church to reflect the good news of your grace
in growing kindness, gratitude and joy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen