Taking Risks for the Harvest
"The birds of the air come and perch in its branches" Matt. 13:32b.

As the sun set over the desert in central Chad, Matthew took a gourd and watered three small fruit trees he had planted recently on his land.

At that moment, Ahmed, Matthew's neighbor, walked past and chuckled. "Surely, you are a man of great faith, Matthew, to plant trees in this barren place."

"The strength of my faith I will leave to God to measure, but because He is great, I trust Him to make these trees flourish."

"If Allah has so willed it," Ahmed said.

"God has willed it," Matthew said.

"How would you know His will and plan?"

"Our Creator told Adam and Eve their purpose was to till the earth and use it for good. Certainly an orchard fulfills that command better than a desert."

"Perhaps, but it still seems a great risk to waste precious water on those mere sticks."

"I have taken much greater risks. For example, several times I have told you about the salvation God offers you through faith in Jesus the Messiah."

Ahmed furrowed his brow. "I thought we were talking about trees, not about Jesus."

"Jesus said, 'The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Though it is the smallest of your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches'" (Matt. 13:31-34).

"And what might that have to do with me?"

"Centuries ago, northern Africa came under the rule of Islam, your religion, and there has been a drought of God's grace here ever since. Even so, I still trust God the Holy Spirit to grow seeds of faith among people like you."

Ahmed objected, "How could there be a drought of grace when Allah is gracious and full of mercy?"

"Although the Qur'an describes Allah in such terms, can you find one occasion in your scriptures when Allah actually does forgive someone and that person rejoices in God's forgiveness?"

Ahmed rubbed his cheek, trying to recall such an event in the Qur'an.

"My friend," Matthew said, "Allah promises you a drop of grace, and you Muslims imagine you are refreshed. Allah offers a drop of forgiveness on your palms, and you attempt to wash your hands with it. Meanwhile, every morning I bathe in God's grace, as I recall how Jesus the Messiah has washed me clean of my sin and guilt in the waters of baptism."

"In your Book are there stories of God actually forgiving people?"

"Yes, indeed! And those who receive His grace rejoice and sing, like the birds who shall perch in the shade of these trees."

1. When have you taken on a gardening or agricultural challenge? What happened?
2. What made Matthew willing to take risks? What would motivate you to take risks for the sake of the Gospel?
3. Compare Matt. 13:31-32 to Ezek. 17:22-24. How are they similar? How do they differ?