“What are you planting?” asked the salesman of the elderly gentleman.

“Seeds,” said the old farmer, rather nonchalantly.

“Of course they’re seeds. I can see that. I’m not dumb or blind,” he said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice.

“Well, if you are so interested, hang around for a few months and see what comes up. You might be surprised. Might even be something you like,” came the reply.

Planting seeds and gardening is a craft. It is done with care and concern. Nothing is left to chance and the only uncontrollable aspect of farming is the weather.

“The wages of the righteous is life,” wrote Solomon, “but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.” The word “wages” in this verse comes from the agricultural world and describes the crop or yield that is gained at the time of harvest. Earnings are the result of work. But both have a similar meaning: Our life style and way of living have implications far beyond the moment. Righteousness brings life, now and after this life - eternal life with God. The alternative life style, wickedness, is one of sin and leads ultimately to death - eternal separation from God.

Our God is a just God and will reward each of us for the “seeds” we plant. Our old farmer knew what the crop would be from the seeds he planted. He didn’t have to wait and be surprised at harvest time. Neither do we.

God’s Word leaves no doubt about sowing seeds and the coming harvest. “Do not be deceived,” said Paul, “for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.”

Prayer:  Father, may we examine our lives in light of your Word and plant “seeds of righteousness” each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 10:16 The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

The aborigines are given credit for being the first to develop boomerangs. Although there are many different types and varieties of boomerangs, most of us are familiar with what is called the “returning boomerang.”
Shaped like a bent arm, when properly thrown, it will return to the one who threw it. Initially they were used for hunting and war. Now, for many, they have become a recreational object.

David made an interesting observation about life’s boomerangs: “The trouble he causes recoils on himself, his violence comes down on his own head.” Not a pleasant thought for the one who wanted to harm another person.

Remember Haman? He was a conceited and corrupt prime minister. He is a great example of how life can boomerang.

Haman was determined to destroy every Jew in Persia, especially Mordecai. But when Mordecai and his people heard of this diabolical plot, they called upon the Lord for His help. Esther, the queen, decided to give a party and invited Haman to join her and the king. He was elated!

While enjoying the festivities, Queen Esther stood before the king and exposed Haman and his plot. What he had planned for Mordecai came back to him. By nightfall, Haman was hanging on the seventy-five-foot gallows that he had built for Mordecai. No one came to his funeral. In fact, no one liked Haman, except Haman.

Paul said: “The man who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to understand and accept the simple fact that whatever we sow, we will certainly reap. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 7:16 The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.