This has been a spectacular year for flowers! The lupines, chives and roses were full to overflowing. And now we have tiger lilies, hostas and lambs’ ear. Hollyhocks, daisies and phlox. Gold flowers that I don’t know what they are and light yellow flowers on a long stem. And look at the cone-flowers! Some of these have been planted, but a few were here when we arrived. Birds have contributed some seed as well. So this weekend we’re gonna talk about seeds, those little bits of life which turn into beautiful and useful plants.
ISAIAH of Babylon concludes his optimistic oracles (55:10-13) and speaks of the seed-bearing word of life which God sends to accomplish God’s purpose: “Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle.” Evidently quality was designed into everything, and God’s intention is to polish Creation. In the midst of exile, Isaiah dares to speak about healing the broken culture of Israel and announces the refinement of Nature. God’s holy-history is worth preserving, especially as it includes God’s holy VISION.
In ROMANS 8:1-11, Paul acknowledges the thorns. Still, “there is no condemnation (blame/guilt) for those who are in Christ…” Even if some ground is tainted or neglected, the holy Word/logos is generously given to all through the loving intercession of the Christ. As we believe this, our strength is subsumed into a strength beyond our own. Thorns can be overcome, not by our own endeavor, but only through Christ. Only then can we be blame-free to live life in the joy which is intended. How does YOUR garden grow?
MATTHEW 13:1-9 is yet another of Jesus’ nature parables. He pictures a sower broadcasting vital seeds to all, near & far–but some fall on rocky ground, others on thin soil, and others among the thorns which grow up and check their growth. “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.” I dunno about you, but this surely describes ME. The sower could be an abundant and generous God who hopes for the best from God’s creative word. OR the sower could be any of us, faithfully living out the seeds of the good word even if the arena is less than receptive.
There are thorns. Oh boy, are there ever! Even when we chop ’em down and burn them, their roots are still there–and when we least expect it, bad habits prevail… But the heavenly sower keeps coming back, year after year, to anoint every acre with holy possibility. Thanks be to God!
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Every Tuesday we examine (and are examined by) texts to be read on the upcoming weekend. Come join us at horacebrownking.com
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