Mike’s Musings …

Springing Forth

   As many might guess, mine is not a “green thumb” for flowers. However, I do admire them and as Jesus taught, I appreciate beholding the lilies of the field. (Matthew 6) The other day, Nancy brought in a bouquet of daffodils, and I asked if they had come from her flower bed. She confirmed that was she had obtained them, and thus in my mind, the excitement of another warm, spring day arrives! I don’t know if we’re supposed to have “favorite” weather seasons, but if such is permitted, I choose springtime!

   It’s nearing that time when the smell of freshly churned soil come from the fields, the budding forth of new leaves and growth on trees, the greening of the grass and its quick rise to esteem, the singing of birds, and bawling of young calves for their mothers, the freshness of crisp air, and the sun’s warmth are in much greater abundance. Winter’s deathlike environment is difficult for many of us, and so when the resurrection to life comes in the form of spring, we rejoice!

   Have you ever mused on how very much like our lives are the seasons God grants? We come forth like a flower, endure the heat of life’s work, then fade into the vibrant colors of memories past, only then to ease into the silence of death. Spiritually, it is nearly the same. With baptism into Christ, we rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1 – 6) and then grow into the labors of adding to that faith (2 Peter 1:1 – 11). In time, we fade into the radiant appearance of works accomplished, but works which we physically can do no more (2 Timothy 4:7-8), then, being ready for our eternal reward, ease into the silence of death (Revelation 14:13).

   As time continues, so does the gospel. There is seedtime and harvest, even as there is the same in the temporal world. This should be our “seed time” with the gospel: sowing the precious seed of the kingdom into the hearts of all souls, letting the determination of whether they be wayside, rocky, thorny, or fertile soil not influence our sowing of the seed! Ours is to sow it and perhaps water it, but always for God to give the increase! You’ll notice that just as with this temporal world, plants don’t grow until you plant the seed. Sometimes, you even must prepare the ground. Either way, this is a time to work for the Lord, and His work is only accomplished by the resourcefulness of our hands. Let’s muse diligently on the grandeur of serving God!