SCRIPTURE
"He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
OBSERVATION
We've all heard the legend and legacy of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman. In researching more about him, I found that he in fact traveled extensively planting and establishing nurseries of apples, appointing and showing the caretakers how to build fences to protect the plants from livestock and returned every year or two to help tend the nurseries. Through further research I found out that Johnny Appleseed was actually a missionary, not only spreading the seed and attributes of apples, but the seeds and good news of Jesus Christ. He was very simple in his dress and led a subsistence lifestyle. He was also known for his character and style of business, giving of his own resources to those in need, not requiring payment of those who were unable to pay and helping man and livestock in whatever way he could. He became a legend and legacy not because of his spreading apple seeds, but actually because of his character and example. The apple seed label was his legend, his life and character is his legacy.
APPLICATION
I know that God is speaking to me about my being a Johnny Appleseed in my life, that on a day-to-day basis, wherever I am, I can be a Johnny Appleseed, planting seeds for God in my example of character and good deeds towards others. There are times that I can plant seeds by exampling Christ from a distance, and there are times where I can actually plant seeds, returning to nurture what God has allowed me to plant. I know that I must be mindful that more is caught then taught. More is observed then heard. I know that whether I spread your seeds or nurture your seeds of the gospel, you will grow it for the harvest. Like Johnny Appleseed, the legacy I want to leave is how my relationship and example with and to others spoke of Jesus in my life.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that I have the opportunity to plant seeds for Christ each and every moment of the day. That there will be times where I only need to spread the seed by my example, and other times where you will call me to nurture what you have allowed me to plant. In all times, please guide me to example Jesus Christ in my life in the ways that will be edifying and encouraging to others, as I know that more is caught then taught. May my legacy be who I was rather then what I possessed.
