Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. . . . Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor. 9:10-11, 15
Dear Heavenly Father, a mild Winter and early Spring have combined to decorate our area with incredible beauty. I’m not sure when green has looked so “green.” Granted, allergens and early mosquito bites remind me, we’re still living east of Eden, but I absolutely love this time of year. Every day begins and ends with the “just right” temperature. I love short calendar stretch with neither the heater nor the air-conditioner kicks on.
But, Father, of far greater significance, as tiny buds segue into full leaf and bloom, I’m reminded of your covenant faithfulness. There’s an amazing story underway told by every blade of grace and expression of your grace. The cycle of seedtime and harvest will continue until the ultimate harvest takes place—the gathering of your pan-national family. What an incomparable joy will be ours as we share life together in the ultimate garden city of the New Jerusalem. Oh, hasten that day! Hasten that weed-less, allergy-less, sneeze-less, sin-less Day!
And Father, thanks for including us in this whole redeeming and greening process. You’ve not only promised to turn the barrenness and fallowness of our lives into a “well-watered garden” (Isa. 58:11; Jer. 31:12), you’ve also promised to use us as a means of showing and telling your great story of redemption. Thank you for the privilege of meaningful labor in this world, and for the various callings you’ve given us.
Gardening is hard, but the gospel is our surety. Some of us plant, some of us water, but only you cause things to grow (1 Cor. 3:6). You are causing things to grow, and you will continue to do so. For you’ve planted and raised the perfect seed—your Son, the Lord Jesus.
He is the first-fruit and guarantee of the full harvest. How we praise you for the indescribable gift of Jesus. There’s no possibility of crop failure! Indeed, “the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world” (Col. 1:6). Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Father, may our churches mature as gardens of grace and righteousness, for your glory and the benefit of our communities. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ fruitful and faithful name.