I attended the early service this morning and I was going down the church steps as some folks were arriving for the 11am service. I wanted to stop them and say, "Get ready, it's a great service you're in for!" This is surprising actually, since I started the morning not feeling very worshipful - and admittedly not very focused. But in his sermon, Andrew spoke on Mark 4, where Jesus talks about the mustard seed growing into a bush for the birds of the air to nest in, and Andrew compared it to the description of the noble cedar from Ezekiel 17.
A couple thoughts: This morning was a reminder to me that it's not our job to make things grow, in fact all we can do is sow the seeds and let the Lord do the work. It's not up to us to create results, but results will certainly happen. A necessary reminder.
But a new thought for me came this morning while considering the humble mustard bush in contrast to the noble cedar. The birds of the air were nesting in the mustard bush, just like they were in the cedar. We plan for and expect great things, but sometimes it's the simple things that get the job done. I think that often I get caught up in the results, looking for a giant cedar, when really I need to focus on doing my job - living my life and sowing the seeds.
Andrew told us the "birds of the air" is used as an expression in the bible to mean all the nations of the earth. In Mark and also in Ezekiel, the birds of the air find sanctuary in the shade of the tree. What a lovely and inclusive invitation. I'm so thankful we have the opportunity to build our nests in the shade of His tree, and humbled by the seeds he's given us to sow.
-Maureen.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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I wasn't able to attend yesterday morning, so I really appreciate your reflection, Maureen. This message is very timely, too: I definitely needed to read this today.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the idea that God is giving us seeds to sow. We often hear the analogy that God sows seeds...but where, then, do we fit into the growing of those seeds? It reminds me of Geoffrey's post - and our subsequent comments - from back in September about how we use the gifts we are given and examining what those gifts might actually be. The seeds we are given to grow God's world, as it were.
I loved Sunday’s sermon: It encourages me. In that it gives me courage.
ReplyDeleteCourage to go ahead and sow seeds of goodness, hope, courage, love, however and whenever I can, knowing that it isn’t then solely or perhaps at all up to me to grow them. There are all sorts of places where such seeds can be scattered… At work, home, play…
I am thinking about my workplace and the need for mutual respect up and down the ranks of corporate hierarchy. Sowing those seeds…that command respect and show respect. Respect for the human being behind the corporate face or client. Respect for oneself and the fostering of language, attitude and deeds that are all part of the swinging arm of the sower to grow an environment that is for humans and not bottom line or corporate prestige alone.
I am thinking about my home, where the same language, attitude and deeds might germinate a more fruitful loving environment…and play…where community can prosper by more of the same.
In a world that often looks to trickery , bribery, or the manipulation of teaching, research , stories, politics to exploit or coerce… it is refreshing to know that beneath the surface, God works those other seeds, those tiny seeds of hope, love and charity that have been scattered by those who have been themselves influenced towards God’s justice and mercy (by the germination of prior seeds) to influence the world another way….ultimately His way towards a Kingdom that has roots already growing, and is promised to grow to maturity.
It gives me the courage to invite friends and neighbours to church, knowing that we have, within St Andrew’s, and the church at large, sowers of good seeds, tellers of Good News and soil that has been made ready through the generations of careful tillers. But mostly knowing that ultimately it is the Spirit of God, who decides the timing and the speed of growing that serves Him best…
I merely have to scatter.
I am sometimes myself a rocky path, a thorny field, and parched new-growth, but I thank God for all those who scattered seed my way…over and over…. Because there was some soil there…and God is good to his Word. I am germinating and growing. You are too…and we are together. We are no longer strangers. We are fellow citizens with God’s holy people. Members of His household, built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus himself as the cornerstone. We are being built up together, in him , into a place where God will live by the Spirit. (Ephesians)
So sow away…We can sow together… as many seeds as possible…however we can bring ourselves to do it…learning and relearning better and better ways to sow as we go…and look forward to the fruits that may come: love, joy, peace, great-heartedness, kindness, generosity,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control…and the harvest that will surely come as promised. So much from so little. So much from so many… Thanks to God. Thanks to you.