Just thinking:
Gardening with the Master
Beverly Koester — 2013
The earth is a garden Matthew 13:38 and we are the laborers. Luke 10:2 We were commissioned by our Father, who is the Master Husbandman, John 15:1 and are assisted by our elder brother, Jesus Christ, John 15:5 who is the first fruit, 1 Corinthians 15:23 and Lord of the harvest. Matthew 9:38 Despite the dangers we face,Luke 10:3 and the tears we shed,Psalm 126:6 we have hope,1 Corinthians 9:10 for we are promised that, if we plant good seed,Luke 8:11 Galatians 6:7-8 25 and ask for and follow our Lord’s advice,John 15:7 we will rejoice, Psalm 126:6 and God will be glorified, John 15:8 at the abundance of fruit produced. Matthew 13:23
Not knowing the best planting times, we increase our odds by planting both in the morning and afternoon. Eccl 11:6 We work in the light and heat of the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7 for we know the night is coming when we cannot work. John 9:4 We grow both flowers and fruits. The flowers bring us daily joy, Isaiah 35:1-2 and our fruits, if we sow in peace James 3:18 and endure difficult discipline Hebrews 12:11 will be righteousness Philippians 1:11 and praise, Isaiah 61:11 which The Lord will gather when He comes with His sickle Revelation 14:14 to harvest the earth. Revelation 14:16 At that same time the weeds will be cut and cast into the fire. Revelation 14:18 Matthew 13:40
For a good harvest, we follow the principles of gardening which we learn from staying close to the Lord. John 15:3 John 15:5 The more we plant, the more we harvest.2 Corinthians 9:6 We do not plant when a strong wind is blowing, or we might just reap a whirlwind. Hosea 8:7 We avoid hard packed soil,Mark 4:3-4 Mark 4:14-15 stony ground, Mark 4:5-6 4:16-17 thistles Mark 4:7 4:18-19 and thorns. Luke 8:14 We watch closely lest an enemy plant weeds. Matthew 13:27-28
We are dependent upon the Lord for water. He sends the rain,Hosea 6:3 Joel 2:23 and, to the compassionate, He provides an ever bubbling spring with miracle water that causes all it touches to flourish. Isaiah 58:10-11
Pest control is a major concern, but when we turn to the Lord for help, Joel 2:12 He will repair the damage. Joel 2:25 26 When our plants seem unproductive Luke 13:6-7 the Lord encourages us to be patient , shows us how to loosen the soil and how to fertilize them generously. Luke 13:8 Actually, if we ask, He takes over, uproots the weeds, Matthew 15:13 John 15:2 and sends the rains. Hosea 10:12 Thus, when the garden flourishes Joel 2:18-19 22 He gets the glory. Joel 2:26 27
There may be times when our garden is a total failure! The trees and vines are barren, and there is no food, Habakkuk 3:17 but if we take heart and trust the Lord, Habakkuk 3:18 He will give us hind’s feet to climb to higher places Habakkuk 3:19 where, if we endure and do not cave in to weariness, Galatians 6:9 the harvest will be salvation Galatians 6:8 and the sowers and reapers will rejoice together. John 4:36.
Real-time update, June 9, 2026: I have backed away from active gardening---speaking of real gardening, not metaphorically---but what I have discovered is that I love weeding! It is so rewarding to go down to the the church in the cool of the morning and pull weeds. I won't try to apply that metaphorically though. Have a blessed growing season! and stay healthy.