When one deliberates on what constitutes an optimist, something like this may come to mind: a person who thinks the best possible thing will happen, and holds onto the hope for it despite the chance it might not turn out. For our purposes here, I think this definition will suffice.
Have you ever thought of Jesus Christ as being an optimist? For some clarity on this, let's review a few important points regarding his optimism. I feel we should begin with his attitude. Most would agree that attitude plays a huge part in a positive outlook on anything. And, let's face it, Jesus had a pretty, positive attitude. Don't you think?
This can be evidenced through his teachings, for example. His lessons are for the most part contradictory or opposite of the dismal, pessimistic, forlorn, and defeated spirit that quite often manifests itself in the name of Christianity. Frankly, if he were alive and breathing today, he'd find he had very little in common with a good portion of us Christians.
In and around the church today, there are many "forecasters of doom" who have declared the death of the kingdom of God, and have all but performed its final rites. But stop the bus! The church is not dead. In fact the kingdom of God is very much alive and well. It even continues to march on as the church triumphant!
Our Lord believed in the cause of his kingdom so much that he gave us four parables which articulate his optimism of which we are discussing today. The first of these parables regards the phenomenal growth of the kingdom of heaven. This is the well-known Parable of the Mustard Seed found in Matthew 13:31-32.
Here, Jesus ingeniously employs the mustard seed as an analogy using the contrast between the smallness of the seed and the enormity of the plant that comes from it. Thus, Christ is able to spiritually stimulate his followers with this illustration of the exceptional growth of the kingdom of heaven.
The Parable of the Leaven, found in Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21, compares the kingdom of heaven to a woman making bread. Here, Jesus' optimism wasn't based on a flashy, or dazzling display of power by the kingdom of heaven. Rather, it was based on the quiet, unpretentious, yet relentless and undeniable influence it would impart on millions of lives and enumerable civilizations through time untold.
The last two parables are the Parables of the Treasure and Pearl, found in Matthew 13:44-46. These parables both serve to display the optimism of Jesus not only by the growth and spreading influence of the kingdom, but also its infinite wealth. The point of both parables is the great richness and abundance of his kingdom.
Clearly, the optimism of Jesus Christ speaks of the boundless worth of the kingdom of heaven. And he joyfully offers it to you today. What does he require from you? Not a thing, other than your unconditional surrender. And you will find that when you give all, he gives all. There is no other way to find the kingdom.
Scripture: Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Psalm 43:5; Matthew 6:8
Prayer: Holy Father, I will put my trust in Your sovereign plan always; over what my own circumstances tell me. My hope is with You and I will wait for it patiently. Amen
Have a blessed and safe weekend!
Kaye
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