When the woman hides the leaven in the meal, it is with the intention that it enhance the taste and texture throughout. So we also must treasure up the word in our souls, that we may be thoroughly sanctified by it (John 17:17).
As the leaven makes the dough useful and ready for baking, so the Word of God changes corrupt man to become useful and righteous. Without Christ’s work we remain wicked, selfish, and sluggish, but the Holy Spirit makes us servants to feel with the poor and pray for those that disturb us. As the leaven works silently and insensibly, so the Holy Spirit works silently in the hearts of believers.
Without the Word of God, the world remains poor, weak, and lost. But now we see in the teachings of Christ all the power of God and the gifts of His kingdom that are hidden there. The Holy Bible is more precious than refined gold. Keep many of its verses in your heart and you will collect a treasure that will last forever. Then these words become a power in you that will be able to change others and bring joy and delight to many.
The leaven actively works fermenting the whole lump of dough. “The Word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). The leaven works speedily, so does the Word, and yet gradually. It works silently and insensibly (Mark 4:26), yet strongly and irresistibly. It does its work without noise, and so is the way of the Spirit, working without fail. The hidden leaven in the dough works thoroughly and actively, and the entire world cannot hinder it from communicating its taste and texture. Though none sees how it is done, a little leaven affects the whole lump.