Structure

I’m no gardener but from time to time I’m asked to supply some of the muscle needed in preparing for the plants; the ground is dug over, bean racks have been made tomatoe stakes have been hammered into the ground – all in anticipation for the plants to come.

Each structure is built with an understanding of the need of the plant: grape vines need a different structure than a kiwi fruit vine, tomatoes different from beans.

But at the end of the day the plant is more important than the structure. Yes the structure is important but without the plant the structure will bear no fruit, yet the plant without the structure will still grow, not to its full potential but it will grow.

So structures I have found needs to be adjusted to accommodate the plant. A request comes, “Could you please extend that rack or lengthen those stakes.”

We find this principle in Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.”

Here’s the thing. We’re happy to know the principle but reluctant to apply it as it demands adjustment, and being set in our ways we tend to resist that change and those who are the agents of that change, but listen: the Word is sure as it declares “Let them stretch…” Today if you hear his voice do not harden your heart” Selah