Optimistic Farming
Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-29
The October 5, 2000 edition of the “Norman Transcript” had a picture on the front page showing Dana Collins and John Beall preparing to plant alfalfa seed by loading it into a seeder. After the long summer drought and very little precipitation in sight, Beall was practicing what he called “optimistic farming.”
A farmer is never guaranteed rain and never promised a late freeze won’t kill off a promising crop. In many ways a farmer has to live by faith. He has to plant the seed and trust that God will send the rain and the sun at the right time. More often than not his work of faith is rewarded with fruit.
One of the primary metaphors of evangelism in the Scriptures is that of sowing seed. Christians are pictured as farmers scattering the good seed of the gospel everywhere they go. Evangelism is in many respects an act of faith. We can plant and water, but only God can bring the increase. But as we sow the gospel more often than not this work of faith will be rewarded with fruit.