by God's Little Boy
© MakeshiftDarkroom.com 2016
Posted 10/15/16

"He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:6)

Johnny Appleseed was a strange character of American folklore who is remembered for his cultivation of apple trees in the territories that are now Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. His mission was to plant apple seeds and sell the young trees as nursery stock to pioneers for planting on their homesteads. He made it his life's mission to be a planter of seeds, and he did so wherever he went. Little by little, over the course of his life, each individual seed that he planted became part of a great increase that was left in his wake and in the paths that he trod.

Perhaps it would be good to think of evangelism in this purely simple way: "Operation Gospel Seed." Christians have been given and carry with them the precious seed of the gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16) The gospel is in word; we sow the seed as we speak forth the gospel message. We are called to be witnesses for Christ and to sow the seed of the gospel in the soil of the hearts of men. We do not know which seeds will germinate and sprout into eternal life, but God who alone can make it grow, will prosper the seed that falls into fertile hearts. Our work is a simple one: keep sowing the seed, and water accordingly. Plant seeds here and there, wherever and whenever we find opportunity. This is a mission that we take everywhere we go and throughout the course of our life. This is what it means to be a witness for Christ. There is no need to make the mission any more complicated than what it is - being a witness. Each "gospel seed" encounter becomes a stitch in the tapestry of our life's ministry that God has ordained within our sphere of influence. God can see the full measure of fruit in each seed of witness. Given enough time, an entire orchard of fruit may come from one "gospel seed encounter." If we sow bountifully we can expect to reap bountifully. We cannot make the seed grow, but we can plant and water it. Seed will not grow where seed is not planted, so scatter the seed of the Gospel freely as you go and leave it to God to give the increase according to his perfect will. In eternity, we will share in the joy and fruit of the Lord's harvest and clearly realize all that God did through our sowing as we come again rejoicing with our sheaves.

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