This spring, I have been growing a little herb garden and wildflower collection on my kitchen window, together with that, I have been meditating on the words of our Lord Jesus in John 15:1-8 about what the vine, the vineyard keeper, and the vineyard truly mean at this season. The natural cycle of sowing seeds, watering, and waiting for sprouts, and tending to the plant has become a practical teaching tool to resonate with, for all the Lord is teaching me this year about seedtime and harvest. Although I am nowhere near being a farmer, my amateur experience of tending a mini garden in my kitchen has increased my appreciation of agriculture and shown me the greatness of God, who brings a buried, hidden seed to life. Â Here, I share a few lessons with you, hoping they bless you as much as I am being blessed.
🌱Jesus is the source of life.
I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard – John 15:1.
My store-bought seeds and little plants came with a set of simple instructions on the soil to use, the amount of watering, and the amount of sunlight. These steps reminded me that a seed requires optimal conditions for survival, without which its chances of growth reduce. A seed could be me and you (the person), the word of God revealed to us (the Word), our prayers. In the context of the person, the Word, and prayer, Jesus is an important source that brings life.  We can’t do this life without Him. When His words are delivered to our hearts, and when we sow our prayers, their chances of multiplication and bearing fruit are connected to the true vine, Jesus. There is a popular statement of “No Jesus, no life and know Jesus know life” that is true. To know Jesus is to know the true vine that connects us to life. He is the portal for nourishment and sustenance in this world, as He reiterated in John 15:4, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me”
🌱Bearing fruit is an assignment for the seed.
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing – John 15:5.
Not forgetting the context of the person, the Word, and prayer as the seed, the purpose for each is to bear fruits. This part calls for a sober reflection on the person as a seed. How have you been bearing fruit according to the assignments we each have been given? How have you touched the world around you with the resources God has bestowed on you? The resources were invested in you to yield more. Remember the parable of the Master and Servants (Luke 17:7-10), also the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Don’t get carried away with how you have pictured your life and the trajectory it should follow. Do not allow the temporaries of this world to stifle what has been entrusted to you. We are not our own.
🌻Have faith in where God has planted you.
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you – John 15:7.
A very beautiful song was brought to my attention, “Flowers” by Samantha Ebert. This song has resonated with and blessed millions of people. I found the lyrics so powerful, and I had to look up the story of the artist. This young lady wrote this song during one of the most difficult times of her life. In the song, she seems to be in a conversation with God, asking why she has to go through the valley, lifting up desperate prayers. God responded by reminding her He is a good God with a good plan. Your prayers might take too long to grow, but trust God, He is the keeper of the Vineyard, holds the watering can, prunes, tends, and allows growth in His time. The person (you and I) might be the seed; you might feel buried for too long. Trust Him, those desperate prayers will soon turn to grateful prayers, praising God for the valley.
🌻Harvest time will surely come.
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples – John 15:8.
The planting season might take far too long, but it will not stop harvest time. In the context of the person, the Word, and the prayers, there shall be a time of reaping. I get that the waiting period is usually difficult, but it turns out glorious in the end. In the context of the person, our earthly journey is a planting season; the resurrection of life is the ultimate harvest. In this garden of life, don’t forget your place as disciples of Christ. Waiting on God’s promises is worth it in the context of the Word and prayers. None of His words shall return empty without fulfilling their purpose (Isiah 55:11).
Update on my garden, my family now enjoys fresh basil and parsley in our meals, well, their growth was accelerated because I bought them pre-planted. The wildflowers I sowed from seeds are still growing….no blooms yet. I hope I keep these plants alive for as long as I can, but whatever the result, I have learnt tangible lessons through them.
As I continue to spend my spring days in gratitude and reflection, I hope these words mix with faith in our hearts to bring a realignment and bearing of much fruit to God’s glory. Amen
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Spring lessons🌸