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The lesson we receive from John the Baptist is one of preparing the way. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Matt. 3:1-3
As I look at my beautiful summer garden I think about all the preparation that went into it before I was able to enjoy the vegetables and flowers. In April I cranked up my old Troy-Bilt and plowed through the hard, apparently lifeless dirt. After 2 or 3 sessions of tilling the ground looked soft and rich and ready. Next I planned my rows, pounded in stakes and tied strings back and forth. I prayed as I sprinkled various shriveled, dead-looking seeds into the little trenches I'd made, asking God to make them sprout and grow and produce the desired food . A careful schedule of watering and days of anticipation finally revealed tiny sprouts appearing up and down the rows. Joy! They were on their way! A few weeks of continued watering, weeding, and thinning, combined with sunshine and warmth, have indeed produced the results I hoped for, healthful, good-tasting vegetables and lovely blooms.
Just as John was sent to prepare the hearts of those who would hear the message of salvation, so are many of us engaged in the same process. Paul says, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." (1Cor. 3:6-7)
At the Hospitality House we have a ministry of tending a garden of human souls for God. It is our privilege and duty to dig up the ground of sometimes hardened or hurting hearts. We see the needs and
plan how we can lay straight rows by aligning stakes of discipline and responsibility. The seeds of God's word are carefully planted and watered with love. We eagerly watch for signs of growth, giving budding hearts room to grow, free from pressure. Sometimes we must firmly pull weeds but we do it with compassion. In His mercy and His timing, God gives the increase by shining the warmth of His light on any who will come to Him in repentance.
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Gardening
