Sow and see
A few years ago we started a garden. It was not just any garden, but a square-foot, raised garden.
Following the proven methods of soil mixture, water and proper plant placement, we figured we’d have a bounty of fruits and vegetables.
We liked the control. We liked the efficiency. But, despite our best efforts – maintaining the soil, water and planting the right plants – we didn’t get our bounty. And sometimes, despite our lack of effort, some plants brought forth fruit.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth concerning the work of the teachers and preachers among them, that they planted and watered, but God gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3)
The prophet Isaiah declares that God’s Word is preached and it goes out and does what it does according to His purpose. (Isaiah 55)
As Jesus sends his 12 disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he prepared them for what they would soon see. As the kingdom of God was sown, they would see it be plucked up by birds, whither by persecution, choked by the cares of the world, and also, produce much fruit.
Such is the reign of God in the means of His Word. Paul encourages a young pastor, Timothy, to be faithful in the sowing of God’s Word, even when the birds circle to snatch the seed and the thorns seem thick.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV)
Faith is not found in gardening techniques or soil sampling, but comes forth from the seed of God’s Word, and so God is the sower.
God sowed forth His Son, Jesus, into this world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world from sin. His Word goes forth.
It breaks things down and raises things up. It kills and makes alive. It calls us to repentance and calls us to forgive one another. It doesn’t return to Him void. So the church sows and sees what the Lord will do.
Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.