The New Testament is full of gardening imagery:
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden
Jesus was betrayed in a garden
Jesus talks about growing vines and vineyards
Paul talks about planting, sowing, and reaping
Jesus talks about the importance of harvest
The world of Jesus was an agrarian society and people knew full well about the ups and downs and the ins and outs of gardening. For one thing it ain't easy.
Planting is hard work
Watering and reaping is hard work
Keeping away those varmits like squirrels and mice is hard work
When I"m in the garden I sweat a lot and my back hurts me.
Gardening is a powerful metaphor for our life together
The Apostle Paul says that he planted, Apollos watered, but God gives the growth.
In other words we have the responsibility to prepare the soil (us---our hearts and minds) to receive the Word but God gives the increase.
I always plant wild flowers and sow seeds hither and yonder and I am always amazed that some seed begins to sprout and others do not.
It's not up to me.
It's up to God
How is your garden growing today??????????
Let's share
