Harvest of God’s Work

Jesus taught many parables that related to farming and gardening. The famous parable of the sower teaches us that God’s words need to enter our hearts and produce a change. There is a similar parable where Jesus points out that the farmer doesn’t do anything to make the seed grow and bear fruit. It is God who changes us.

We live in a wonderful world where the earth produces enough food for everyone and more beside. Farmers prepare the soil and plant the crop but then wait for the miracle of growth and harvest. In our lives we need to prepare our hearts and listen attentively to the words of life that God speaks. Then we wait for the hidden work of God that will transform our lives. The same will be true of our friends, family, colleagues and community. We prepare and sow and then give room for God. Then we join in with the harvest.

Over the past years there will have been many hearts prepared and seeds sown. God is at work in transforming lives. Some of those transformations are already apparent. We need to be ready to gather people in the Kingdom of God. We also need to keep preparing the ground and sowing God’s message. Our harvest will come if we are patient and faithful.

High as Kites

Today there is a kite festival held on Heath Common. There will be flying contraptions of all shapes, sizes and colours ‘controlled’ by experts and amateurs alike.

Kites are a suitable metaphor for living like God intends us to. The Spirit of God is often likened to wind. He is the unseen force that holds this planet together and the hidden strength that lifts our lives day by day. Jesus teaches us that we are to imitate his life by relying on the Spirit’s power and doing all things in his strength. Hence we can think of ourselves as human kites...

We need a frame that will withstand the force of God’s power. At the heart of a renewed life is the cross of Jesus. His forgiveness and acceptance is the basis on which we relate to God.

We need a material that can be moved by God. We have been given a new heart that can respond to God’s words and actions.

We need a cord that will hold us on course in the wind of God’s power. We have been anchored in the love of our heavenly Father. He can now guide us and hold us.

Which leaves the tail - perhaps you can come up with your own interpretation for

that...