December 12th, 2007 
Dana Fisher The Farmer sows the word. -Mark 4:14
Have you ever played red rover as a kid? It’s a recess game, with two teams facing each other, their hands interlocked. Each team takes turns calling someone over to try and break through the chain. I’d like to view it in another light.
As Christians we have a tendency to form an impenetrable wall. We interlock hands with each other and hold on for dear life. When someone new comes along and tries to break in to our group we resist. Even as Christians Satan can use us for evil. Jesus communed with sinners(Mark 2:16-18). They need Him more than we who are already saved.
We are all farmers, chosen to plant seed. It’s amazing then that we feel our only charge is to throw the seed around and hope it sticks. Does a farmer whip seed all over his field and go back months later for the harvest? In contrast, he plants it, he waters it, he plows it, he takes care of it.
If we allow Christ to work in our lives He’ll give us those opportunities. There’s a time when we will plant and in His perfect time that seed will germinate and begin to grow. When it does we can’t sit idly by and hope for the best.
A friends mother got saved last week. We met her when I was 7-8 years old. We lost touch when I was around 12 and didn’t see them again until 4 or so years later. Our path’s kept intersecting. As a kid you don’t really think of those things. Who would have thought 18yrs after we met she would come to church and be saved? Not me. God knew. Her name had been written in the Lambs Book of Life.
I don’t particularly remember doing anything specific but it got me thinking about the interactions I have today. Do I make the extra effort to include everyone? If I plant a seed, do I follow through and water it? Do I remind them to come to church? Do I encourage them to come out with other Christians even if it will feel a little awkward? Even if a swear or inappropriate comment might slip out?
Like a baby, the only way a new Christian is ever going to get off milk and eat real food is with patience and practice. If I don’t offer solid food how will they survive?
It’s very convicting to realize the trap has been laid and you walked right in to it. How could I be so arrogant to think I could just throw the seed and be done? I am no better than a new Christian. I was in their shoes once. I am a sinner. We need to help out and welcome them with open arms. We need to take care and watch until they have rooted themselves.
Just like red rover except when we call them over, let them in and then join hands with them. Pray for those who don’t know Christ. Pray for those new to the faith. And when you can, give them a drink of water.
Posted in 
Tags: 
