Is it Spring?

There are signs of Spring all around. 

We have blossom on several bushes, and crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils starting to flower. And all the time, there are noisy birds calling, and starting the nesting process.

And while this does happen every year, I find that every year I am in wonder and amazement at these changes.

What particularly amazes me is the way this spring growth is initially so hidden and mysterious. Deep in the soil, and within the plants and trees, and in the instincts of the birds, in response to rising temperatures and changing daylight patterns, the cycle of growth starts again. That is amazing!

Jesus told a parable of this hidden growth, which brings encouragement to people like us who are longing to see God at work.

' Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” (Mark 4.26-29)

This little story, merely observing what happens in the natural world, and with no additional comment, apart from the introductory words 'The Kingdom of God is like . . . ' teaches us how to notice the work of God. It is hidden and yet we can be confident that God is working in people and the wider world, without our help. Our part is to do the scattering of the seed on the ground around us. It is His work to produce growth and change in the people we encounter.

St. Paul noticed the same process happening in the church in Corinth. 'I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.' (1 Corinthians 3.6)

So our job is clear - to be planters and sowers of seeds and ideas, and to provide the environment within which seeds can flourish. Like the careful farmer who takes trouble to provide good soil for his crops, we have responsibility to develop the sort of environment where people of all sorts are welcomed. But the growth and changes are produced by God!

That is very encouraging and liberating. We don't have to fix people. That is God's job!

Best wishes,

Richard