Where’s my seed?

Are you enjoying your harvest? Do you have too much money, fun, friends, and possibilities? Are you living the dream?

This may sound like a crazy set of questions in view of the mess swirling around our cities and nations. But I’m reminded of the words of Jesus: “‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” (John 10:10, NIV) 

It seems like an impossibility in these crazy, pandemic-filled days, but it’s not. Jesus gave this promise at one of the very worst times in the history of the Jewish people. They were a nation occupied and controlled by the Romans. The Jews had no real freedom, and most of their religious rulers were corrupt. I read an article about the Roman cruelty that terrorized the Jewish residents. The article spoke of the common Roman practice of crucifying Jews on the side of busy roads to punish and quench political resistance. Can you imagine the gory site of friends or family crucified at the entry of your city?

friend, please don’t get me wrong. We have a few challenges right now, but Jesus is still promising the abundant life to you, to us, and to our nations. 

Recently, I spent time with a young man who was having a personal struggle. I felt led to offer him my Bible because its pages give all of us a road map to the abundant life in spite of all the challenges. His response caught me off guard: “Wow! I always wanted a Bible. I’ve known many Christians, but no one has ever given me a Bible.” I immediately felt a sense of joy because he was so grateful. However, I had a sense of conviction as well: “I have the Word of God at my daily disposal. It has the answers for life and happiness, but I’ve neglected to give it away to everyone I meet.” Yikes! I’m sorry, God.

friend, please don’t forget that the Bible has all of the truths we need: “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this, we know that we are in Him.” (1 John 2:5, NKJV) Lean on the promises of His Word. Someone once told me, “Read to lead.” So pick up that dusty old Bible and read it, memorize it, and give it away.

You may not be able to change the geopolitical problems of Afghanistan, but you can change your life with the Word. When you change, others will be touched as well because you are a miracle. And God loves you like crazy.