Small beginnings

What looks insignificant can end up changing the course of history | Janie B. Cheaney

The kingdom of heaven, Jesus said, is like a mustard seed. It's like a measure of yeast that works its way invisibly through the entire lump of dough. It's a treasure in a field, a priceless pearl, seed scattered on good soil and bad . . . huh?

Jesus' followers were dense about the kingdom. "Lord, are You about to restore the kingdom to Israel?" they asked—after His death and resurrection, after they finally understood the Messiah's mission as foretold by the prophets. One can imagine a sigh escaping from Him. Forget about times and seasons, He said. You are to focus on two things: First, wait for the Holy Spirit. Second, go be My witnesses.

We know what happened next: barriers knocked down, prophesies fulfilled, thousands drawn like fish in a net, ordinary men turning the world upside down. But one of the most thrilling passages in Acts—16:6-8—can only be read between the lines: "They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas."