Consider what Jesus told his disciples in the parable of the mustard seed. "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." (Matthew 13:31-32) We become a part of the kingdom through a personal faith in Jesus Christ. But the story does not end with that beginning anymore than our biological growth and development is complete at birth. We must be transformed from a hard-hearted, self-centered person to one who is open to the leading of God in our everyday life.

That transformation like the popcorn is not by own power. The popcorn cannot will itself into puffy kernels anymore than we can will our developmental growth in God's kingdom. The corn needs the power of heat to cause an internal explosion to occur. We need the power of the Holy Spirit active in our life to convict and to sanctify us. Our faith must rest not on our own insight, but upon God's power to enlighten and edify. (See 1 Corinthians 2.)

Really good popcorn is seasoned with butter and salt. Joyful existence in the kingdom of heaven is seasoned by the oil of gladness (Psalm 45:7) and peopled by the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).

Popping corn is not an end in itself. Although it may delight the eye, its real pleasure is in consuming it. The Psalmist proclaimed "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8) Christianity is not a spectator sport. Christ invites us to participate in the kingdom. As we become active participants we not only change, but expand the kingdom as we have a positive effect on those around us. We enjoy the blessings of kingdom as we participate in it.

Although popcorn is a tasty snack that I can consume by myself, its pleasure is expanded when it is shared with family and friends. Although we stand in judgment as individuals before God, he does not wish us to be isolated and alone in our Christian pilgrimage. His kingdom is made up of many inter-related believers. "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (I John 1:5-7)

Every time I pop corn, I am amazed by God's goodness to create such a simple, yet satisfying treat from such a recalcitrant seed. Even more, I am overwhelmed by God's care and goodness in providing access to his kingdom through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf.