Pentecost 2: 18th June 2006
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Christ Church
Morningside
discerning growth
As some of you may already know. Jean and I are amateur gardeners. VERY amateur some may think! But we enjoy it. We have a small garden in which we also have a greenhouse. A greenhouse which also doubles up as a summer house. Although the Garden is small, we try to grow flowers as well as vegetables.
One of my difficulties is that I am often very impatient. I like to see things growing. As a result I tend to plant seeds far too early. The packet said, "Plant seeds 6 weeks before the last frost" If anyone can tell me when the last frost is due in Edinburgh, please tell me. I like to see things grow. So I planted my runner beans in pots in the green house in April. You may remember. We had two weeks of very warm weather.
Each day I would go and see how things were coming on, and the beans soon appeared. and there were six very strong courgette plants coming on. The sweet peas were not so good, I even dug one up and found it had rotted in the pots!
With the fast growth continuing, I planted the beans out into the garden. But then it was May and winter returned, - luckily there were no frosts, but it was very cold. I kept watch, but nothing was growing. No sign of growth for a whole month, the beans began to look pathetic, no movement, the courgettes died off. But now June has come, and everything is racing ahead including the weeds. Why was I so impatient to see growth, Well I do like to see things grow, but I needed to let them develop in their own time.
It is very interesting when we look at the Bible, the number of stories and parables and illustrations there are about seeds.. and not only seeds but bushes and trees.
In that short passage in Ezekiel we hear tell how a sprig is broken off the top of a tall cedar tree, and then from the sprig small tender shoot is planted on the hill side to become itself a new tall and productive tree.
Then in the Gospel reading this morning in another short passage, Mark records not one but two stories. The first tells of the mystery of growth in the seeds, and the grower’s responsibility only to plant and to gather, while the second is a parable of the kingdom, and how such a small seed can grow into a bush.
But there are many other illustrations throughout the Bible. Each one needs to be seen in context, for they are told for very different reasons. In Ezekiel we hear of the Judgement of God on a corrupt and weak nation of Israel, where the present nation will be cut down, and a new one will replace it.
In the Gospel we hear first about the Grace and Love of God, The farmer has no part in how the seed develops, he cannot understand how it grow, it is a mystery, all he can do is to plant the seed, and then accept it back as a gift. God’s Love is like that. unconditional.. It is a story of encouragement. Encouragement for the individual and for a Congregation
While the second parable is one of reassurance. The story of the smallest of all seeds, which result after time into a bush in which birds can build their nests. In spite of how small our own faith seems to be at times, we are capable of more than we can imagine. Reassurance to each human being. Reassurance to a congregation concerned at times how little is achieved.
But while each story, parable, was told for a different purpose - Judgement, Encouragement or reassurance. They all have one thing in common. Seeds are for Growing whether it be the individual, the community or congregation or the nation. There is need for GROWTH
And it is theme of Growth that goes right through the scriptures. Sometimes it is in parables, and stories, but sometimes the challenge to Grow and increase our understanding is more direct;
St Paul again and again appeals to us;
......that you may bear fruit, and that you may grow in the knowledge of God Col 1 10
You must grow up in every way into Him Eph4 15
That you may know the Love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may filled with all the fullness of God Eph 3 19 and one could go on......
And to we are told that even Jesus himself " Increased in Wisdom and Stature" - Luke 2 52
We are encouraged to grow, increase - in knowledge, of God, of ourselves: in Wisdom: in Prayer; in every aspect of our lives. .
Well what are we to do about it? I want to suggest that we spend a few moments in silence
to reflect on what it might mean for us as individuals or as a congregation - to Grow;
and then try, if you can to respond to 3 questions;
What new understanding, insight into my discipleship have I received in the past year.
from our life in this congregation, in what I have heard, read, experienced?
What new/or old questions am I facing?
and What would I like to do about it?
You were given a card as you came into church today; This is for you to think about just for yourself. If you think that as a congregation we could do something about it, then let us know. If you wish and only if you wish, do put your name at the bottom, and place it in the box at the back.
It could result in a meeting to discuss either here or elsewhere, the subject for a sermon,
Who knows where it might lead!
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"..Growing up in every way into Him" Eph 4 15
What new insights / understandings have I received in the past year?
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Thank God for it
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What new (or old) question do I face now?
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What would I like to do about? A way forward.
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(Optional) Name...............................................
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18th June 2006