Luke 13:18-19 – He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." (ESV)

At a supermarket recently, I found shelving on which were displayed some seeds to sow for annual flowers. I had wanted to plant some sweet peas for the garden to improve the soil and to grow something that was colourful and that will stand a fighting chance of growing up behind my crocosmia bulbs, which are already belligerently in shoot and several inches tall.

Anyway, later, I was in the garden emptying the packets of seeds into my hand, ready for planting, when I was struck by the details and flowchart data shown on the back of the packets. These depicted the best times to plant the seeds and when they would flower. It gave information about what was the best type of soil, how far apart to sow seeds, and what was the best aspect for them to grow in. Sweet peas love sunshine.

I was reminded that God has picked each one of us. We are not left sitting on the shelf. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God has put new life in us, so that, at the right time, we may bring forth flower and fruit for the kingdom and a smile to the face of God. We are planted and grow to bring Him delight, no matter what our circumstance. Some, like me, have had a shaky start to life, and needed pruning, replanting, or some cosseting, but eventually, He has planted us out, superficially vulnerable in the world. We may face the extremes of heat or cold, grief or joy, hardship or favour, but being deeply rooted in Him, we will never be left untended and alone, because the Son shines on us, and this causes us to grow.

So let us bathe in His effulgence, reach up, and grow today towards Jesus, our cultivator and giver of life, to honour His name, and in due time, to blossom and bear fruit.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You that Your signature and creativity is evident in the world around us, seen and unrecognized. We rejoice in the mystery of a creator God Who has chosen each one of us. We give You the praise and the glory today, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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