Devo Week 36

A Relational Kingdom -- Universal and Unstoppable

The Kingdom of God spreads throughout the earth like yeast in dough. This is because of relationships. He built all nations upon them. Through relational networks God’s Kingdom and the invincible spreading of His Good News can reach all nations. This is why even one relationship is significant.

Key Concept: The Yeast of the Kingdom

Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom were often simple but very deep. One example is the yeast of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:33). Yeast kneaded into dough cannot be removed. Similarly, our lives and teachings make lasting impact upon others. Either we influence others into right beliefs, practices and relationships, or we don’t. (Matt. 16: 5-12, Mark 12:18-34) This is why Jesus warned us about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

God’s Kingdom is universal. It is for all peoples and all nations. His Kingdom began in the Garden of Eden then was repurposed through His covenant with Abraham. His Kingdom will end in fullness as non-Jewish nations turn to Him and Israel turns back to Him.

God’s Kingdom is unstoppable. Like with the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well (John 4:39) and the Gadarene demoniac who was set free (Luke 8:39), testimonies are difficult to stop. Perhaps testimonies shared from person to person helped lead to the reality of Jesus’ feeding of the thousands. Relationships are force multipliers even among oral peoples who prefer learning by other means than reading. This is what makes God’s Kingdom universal and unstoppable.

Key Word Definitions:

1. oral learners (noun)
-- Cultures who transmit their beliefs, heritage, values and other important information by means of stories, proverbs, poetry, chants, music, dances, ceremonies and rites of passages.

(Reference: Claydon, D. ( Senior Ed.), Chiang, S., Evans, S., Hall, A., Lovejoy, G., Payne, D., Ponraj, S., Willis, A. (Eds.). (2005). Making Disciples of Oral Learners. Lima, NY: International Orality Network & Elim Publishing.)

2. orality (noun)

-- Orality is the use of speech rather than writing as a means of communication.

(Reference: https://www.thoughtco.com/orality-communication-term-1691455)

Excerpt from Devotional 36 with highlighted word:

"Similar were those in Jesus’ time. Think about it: the printing press didn’t exist until about 1440 AD. So, how are the non-literate, illiterate or oral learners to be discipled? Relationally."

Scripture: John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."