This has been a dry summer. As I look at my yard I see brown grass with green weeds. According to master gardener Barbara J. Bromley:
“All grasses go dormant eventually if water is withheld. Dormancy is a condition under which the grass blades turn gray green, then tan. The blade dies, but the crown and root system remain alive. When proper growing conditions resume, the plant grows again and new blades are sent up from the crown. Grass plants may die eventually if the drought is too long, if the grass is marginally healthy to start with (poor growing conditions or cultural practices), or if the grass is a perennial rye or other drought- intolerant type.” (www.mgofmc.org/droughtyearlawn.html)
The interesting thing is that the weeds don’t seem to mind the drought, in fact they are thriving and are taking over my yard. As I was pondering these things, the thought occurred to me that the brown grass is like a dormant church and the weeds are like the sin that springs up and stands out when the church is asleep. The Bible warns the church to stay awake and watchful because Jesus is coming back. When Jesus comes back is He going to find brown grass with weeds or a green, active, and thriving church?
“To the angelof the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spiritsof God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” Revelations 3:1-3 (New International Version)
Dear Lord, please send the rain of your Holy Spirit to nourish and wake up your church. Forgive us when we are content to sleep while sin springs up in our midst. Help your church to be alive and active so that we can bring you the glory that you deserve.
Manna and Coffee 