God is the Master Gardener — 1 Corinthians 1–7

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (August 21-27)

Gardening in a high mountain valley is not for wimps. Both the gardener and the plants must be resilient because of a short growing season, surprise freezes, and deer nibblers. Each year is an adventure as seeds are planted, watered, and gently left to see what Mother Nature will produce. Each year a surprise awaits to see what plants thrive and what plants wilt and give up growing at the end of August. 

Hollyhocks, zinnias, sunflowers, and sweet peas are flourishing in my garden this year. But tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins are goners. This may be a lesson that I should stick to flowers, and just buy my vegetables at the Farmer’s Market. As Helen Mirren said, “Gardening is learning, learning, learning. That’s the fun of them. You’re always learning.” 

Paul must have known something about gardening–at least the basics, as he shares his message with the Corinth saints, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (I Cor 3:6).

Paul knew his role as a missionary. He could influence others with his words, his miracles, and his love, but God gives the ultimate increase–He changes the heart. 

“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves–It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28).

Yes. God is the Master Gardener.