The Farmer

It all begins with an idea in the farmer’s mind. Then, it is location, location, location. Wheat, and corn, are generally planted in flat areas. Grapes, and coffee, are often planted on the sides of hills, or mountains.

Then, the soil must be prepared. We think of plowing the soil, so seed, and roots, can penetrate easily. But, in mountainous areas of Asia, they plant rice. Terraces are carved out of the mountain, and appropriate soil is hauled in, and dumped on the terraces. In one place in the Philippines, an irrigation system was built, bringing water from the rain forest on top of the mountains.

Then, the seed must be planted. Grain is scattered. Some vegetables are plant with three, or four, seeds in a mound. In the colony of Plymouth, the Indians taught the Pilgrims to plant corn, using three seeds, and one fish, per mound.

Then, there is the ongoing care of watering, weeding, and fertilizing. Water, and fertilizer, provide necessary nutrients for the health and growth if the plants. Weeding removes things that hinder the health and growth if the plants.

Finally, there is reaping. There are a number of techniques, from using combines to harvest wheat, to handpicking tomatoes, and clusters of grapes.

God has designed all mankind. He is all-wise, so he must be at the beginning of all Kingdom works. Our part is to move in agreement with him.

We can seek him to hear his plans, so we know which way to move. We can seek him, and ask him, to move. We can be alert for open people, who may become doorways to bring the gospel to families, and communities.

He prepares the land for sowing, and reaping. He prepares it for each crop. Each work has common features. (All plants need water.) But, each work is unique. He will introduce, or allow, different things to provoke discontent with the status quo, and urge a search for meaning, and significance. (COVID ?)

He finds good soil, and plants his word. Some germinate quickly, and fruit is produced soon. Some move more slowly. God, the master farmer, is not concerned about time, or work, because his eye is on the harvest.

And the harvest is not grain, vegetables, or fruit. It is the hearts, and souls, of people. It is the family, that he is building.