A Farmer Named Jesus

“A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering…some fell …and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell…the soil was shallow…the plants were scorched…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” Matt 13:3-8.

Being part of a ministry that depends solely on prayers, contributions and donations from individuals and organizations, I understand the importance of getting the message out there.  Many times I have left after sharing our mission with others with confidence that we would get the support of that person or organization.  What I am finding to be true is that while people might be excited at first to hear the message their response or follow through lacks action.  I certainly understand that there are amazing ministry opportunities out there for people to support.  I know for myself I wish that I could support every ministry out there.  However, there is one ministry that we have all been invited and commanded to support…the ministry of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.  It is not just a ministry to receive but a ministry with responsibility on our part to serve.  If we are truly the hands and feet of Christ then why should we believe they are only useful on Sundays?  I use my hands and feet every moment of every day so shouldn’t our Body of Christ activity be constantly serving in the kingdom?

Jesus was that farmer who went out to sow His seed…the message to be planted in the heart of man.  But man’s heart possesses different types of soil and the success of the crop is based on the health of the heart.  Jesus spoke of four different responses to join Him in His ministry.  ‘Some rejected His invitation while others expressed interest but were not willing to pay the price.  Others began to respond to the invitation but the cares and concerns of the world ‘choked out’ their initial interest.  However, there were those who willingly accepted the responsibilities of kingdom citizenship and God produced a great spiritual crop through their lives. The invitation to the kingdom of God is given to everyone.  The difference is our response’ Experiencing God, p. 185.

When we seek the kingdom of God above all other things in this world God brings the kingdom to us.  He promises that through our pursuit of Him we have access to everything we will ever need.

‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ Matthew 6:33.