C23 Sow As an Ash Tree
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C23 Sow As an Ash Tree
There is a huge ash tree across the street. It produces thousands of seeds every year. Small ash trees grow in the lawn, between the concrete tiles, rods are intertwined with wire mesh, and next to the railway, these trees are relatively tall. Is it hard work for that ash tree to produce so many seeds every year? It does not seem to. It is so full of life that somehow it falls from it by itself. As long as it lives, it begets more and more ash trees.
When it comes to the four soils where the sower sows, I sometimes hear ideas how we can „prepare the spiritual soil“ around us to make it more fertile. I understand, and in some of our circles we can prepare the ground to some extent. However, in the parable of the sower, Jesus does not deal with it at all. He just wants to teach us that not every grain will bear fruit. If we want more crops, we have to sow more. The big ash tree on our street does not ask where its seeds will be accepted and where not.
It sows in such a quantity that it has the absolute certainty of its own reproduction!
That inspires me a lot! Though it sows so massively, I haven’t heard that anyone around would be upset. Rather the opposite. Generally we consider trees in the city to be precious and we protect them. In summer they provide shade, they breathe oxygen here, birds sing in their branches and the seeds are natural part of the fact that there are such trees! The big ash tree is perceived as a blessing here. A few lessons later, I’m developing this topic a little more and practically – how can you be a blessing to the people around you. Namely, if we are a blessing to people, then they do not mind our sowing of God’s Word so much! If I come to Jesus in a conversation, I’m glad. If not, I was a blessing to them anyway, and that’s a prerequisite for them to talk with me the next time. Wherever I go, Jesus goes with me! Jesus radiates out of me. Once I’ve learned it a little, it’s quite easy for me to put an invitation to Discovery and a question about Jesus into a pleasant and interesting conversation.
Do you remember one of our initial lessons here in Bridges to People?
Listen, George, have you ever tried to read the Bible? I don’t mean religion or church! Simply the Bible… When we read the Bible with my unbelieving friends, they are surprised how interesting and practical it is… And then there’s the invitation: „Come try it with me.“
I ask questions, I’m interested, I listen carefully… This usually leads to their questions. And when it’s not doing, I reflect on what I’ve heard, „I see, it’s hard… When something like this happens to me, I talk to Jesus. He always comes up with something! Have you ever tried to communicate with Jesus? I don’t mean religion or church, just Jesus… In the beginning, the Creator and man talked to each other normally. Then people screwed Him until they completely ceased to perceive Him. But he doesn’t give up. He says in the Bible: Call on me and I will answer you. So I tried it! I said, Jesus, please come into my life, let me know you, forgive me for all the bad things I have ever done, be with me always, and lead me. This brought me relief and great inner fulfillment. Today I talk with Jesus about practical things.“
I look at the ash tree in our street and I say: Let’s just use the opportunities that are naturally around us. And they are many! We are in contact with dozens of people every day. We can bless each of them somehow, smile at them, exchange a few sentences, and, no doubt, we can share the Good News of the Lord with at least one person…
Lord Jesus, thank you for the experience that the more we give out your Message, the more energy and blessings we receive from you…