Image from Daniel Vickers' "Farmers and Fishermen", 1994.

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field … He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;  The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; “ – Matthew 13:24, 37-38

The sower grabs a handful of seeds and tosses them. He does so generously and in a manner that may seem to some to be indiscriminate. It is called scattering and was a common way of sowing seeds in Jesus’ day. I have planted gardens by placing each individual seed in the ground and covering it carefully. And I have planted grass in the manner described by Jesus.

The Son of Man sows good seeds and sends forth His disciples to sow good seeds as well.  He does not require that good seeds fall only among other good seeds.  Not only is that not His way, it is not necessary.  Every seed eventually reveals its own true nature.  That’s what seeds do. 

The implications are double for us. We not only bear in our own lives the fruit of His seed, but we also are called to accept the challenge to be co-laborers in His field.  The call to sow seed requires us to accept the enormity of the challenge, while resting completely in His grace and trusting Him for the fruit.  We may sow freely, liberally, and with joy knowing that there is contained within each of God’s gospel seeds the power to change lives, families, communities, and nations.  Scatter at will.

GROWING  

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:   Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches    Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” -  Matthew 13:31-35 

It’s not how we start, but how we finish that matters most to God.

There is no intrinsic virtue in starting big.  Quick starts, bursts of energy, and strategic advantages can be helpful in God’s plan, but they are neither normative nor necessary.  God is exalted in the growth of seeds and the expansion of yeast planted in the center of His purposes.  Pastor Theodore was disappointed when only a few faithful souls came to the widely announced, much anticipated prayer meeting for revival.  But they kept coming and remained faithful.  And as they prayed, God began to work in them, transforming their lives and relationships.  As they radiated the love, reverence, and joy of the Lord, others were affected and they also came and joined in the prayer for revival.  The original prayer warriors were encouraged to continue to grow and God’s grace radiated from them even more.  The kingdom’s influence was growing God’s way.  Do not be discouraged by small beginnings.  Take the challenge to grow.

TRUSTING GOD FOR OUTCOMES

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.  So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”- Matthew 13:47-50

I hope you come to this point somewhat puzzled.  The scripture and the title of this devotion do not meld on the surface and it demonstrates your attentiveness that you noticed.  But here is the reconciliation: We are fishnets, not fish inspectors. God is the fisherman and He uses us as fishers of men, but He does not authorize us to judge the quality of the catch.  That is His role. 

We cannot and need not evaluate another person’s sincerity, genuineness, or honesty with God in our evangelism.  What we must do is remain faithful and trust God to sort everything and everyone.  Our net must be broad enough to sweep the ocean of humanity.  Our faith must be vital enough to leave the results to God.  We may attract people whose motives are questionable, whose commitments are superficial, and whose lifestyles are unstable, but God is able to work in their lives to accomplish His will.