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What do you see when you look at a well-tended garden? Flourishing plants, verdant with life. Abundant fruit holding the promise not only of pleasing taste, but of health and nourishment. You see beauty in color and in form; you smell it in the scent of leaves and blossoms.
You also see, though maybe not at first glance, structure. Some gardens are grown in boxes, some in greenhouses, others in fenced enclosures. Some plants need trellises to climb or stakes to support them. You might see order as well. Gardens are planted in rows, and plants of the same kind are often lined up together. Those that need more light are given spots in the sun, while those that need shade are sheltered. Discipline and perseverance keep pests at bay and enrich the soil with nutrients. You see diligent work, tender care, and showers of grace in the preparation, planting, and watering of the seeds. When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God in Matthew 13, he uses a parable of a farmer scattering seed: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown" (v.1–8). It's easy to read this passage and think the good soil was just there. But any gardener will tell you that good soil is cultivated. It takes intention and requires protection. In fact, without faithful tending, even the most beautiful garden will eventually become overgrown and overrun with weeds. Gardens are a poignant illustration of how we, as followers of Jesus, flourish best within the structure of God's authority. Scripture provides that structure. God's commands for holy living are our protection from the dangerous influences of sin. His truth is good soil, a place to root down deep. A place where he can keep us free from the weeds of deception running rampant in the world. Once we are planted, rooted firmly and safely in the Word, we have the freedom to grow. To become who God created us to be! Most plants, when they begin to sprout, look pretty much the same: little green shoots bursting forth from the damp, dark earth. But as they mature and grow, distinct characteristics begin to develop. Just as different plants grow from the same soil, we also begin to discover our unique spiritual gifts as we grow and mature in Christ. "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues" (1 Cor. 12:4–10). These verses regarding gifts of the Spirit come sandwiched between instructions for "orderly worship" (1 Cor. 11:1–16; 1 Cor. 14:26–40). In the same way a trellis provides structure for a plant to cling to as it grows, so the practical commands of God aid us, strengthen us, and ultimately make us more fruitful. We produce the best fruit when our hearts are aligned to God's word. If we forsake this structure, we run the risk of finding ourselves on shallow, rocky ground—withered and scorched—surrounded by thorns and weeds. But as we use these gifts within the context given to us in Scripture, we begin to bear good fruit. Our gifts benefit those around us and the church is strengthened. Like a flourishing garden, our lives will be refreshing and attractive to those passing by. They will want a taste of this kingdom life! And we may just get the opportunity to plant some seeds of our own, and watch in awe and wonder as God begins to make them grow. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)
Jesus, thank you for this new year—full of the hope of new beginnings!—and for the opportunities you will bring us in 2016. May we rely on you every day and in every way. Although we recognize New Year's Day as a day to start afresh and begin anew, your word tells us that your mercies are new every morning. With you, every day is a chance for a fresh start! Thank you for this truth—the truth of your compassion, your love, and your faithfulness to those whose hope is in you! Amen. |
DEVOTIONS
for PERSONAL STUDY & PRACTICAL APPLICATION Archives
October 2021
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