27 January 2017 - hidden in plain sight

 

[ Today's Readings ]

Of its own accord the land yields fruit,
first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

The Spirit within us works on us and makes us grow in ways that are often imperceptible at first. Ultimately he brings forth fruit in us. But since it doesn't come from ourselves it is often quite surprising even though we know the seeds are planted. It is this same property of hiddenness that makes the Kingdom of God seem insufficient. The seed starts off so small. What difference could it make? To what use could we possibly put such a seed?

But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants
and puts forth large branches,
so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.

We need to trust in God who gives the growth even when we ourselves cannot see it. If we are faithful in planting and watering God does make the seeds grow. It is too our advantage that we can't effect the process by our own efforts. It is harder for our prideful egos to claim as our own. It is more obviously the LORD at work.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds his audience that they are in fact bearing fruit.

Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened,
you endured a great contest of suffering.
At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction;
at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated.
You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison
and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,
knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.

They need this reminder lest they throw away their confidence in despair when they come up against the limitations of their own efforts. Like them, we need endurance to do the will of God. We need to trust in the one who is at work within us, knowing that we will have the great recompense of a bountiful harvest if fruit if we do so.

We are not among those who draw back and perish,
but among those who have faith and will possess life. 
Looking back on our lives so far should help us to trust that God does in fact work in us and change us. He does in fact bear fruit. Let us be thankful for it.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.