SCATTERED SEED

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 

to God’s elect, strangers in the world,

scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, 

Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

who have been chosen according to 

the foreknowledge of God the Father,

through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,

for obedience to Jesus Christ 

and sprinkling by his blood:”
1 Peter 1:1-2

diaspŏra¹²⁹⁰ – from 1289; dispersion, i.e. (spec. and concr.) the (converted) Isr. resident in Gentile countries: - (which are) scattered (abroad).

diaspĕirō¹²⁸⁹ – to sow throughout, i.e. (fig.) distribute in foreign lands: - scatter abroad.

hupakŏē⁵²¹⁸ – attentive hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission: - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).

            When persecution distributed the early church to Gentile countries, it was not an accident. God was deliberately sowing Abraham’s seed into fertile soil, causing the church to grow and the Gentiles to be blessed. Like those early Christians, we have been chosen by God, are being sanctified by the Spirit, and are to obey Jesus Christ. God may also use things that seem unpleasant at the time to move us into a position of service prepared for us in advance. He may sow us into a new job, different neighborhood, or even a different country.

            When my father was transferred to England, it was a difficult move for him and Mom. They left children and grandchildren. I moved out of home for the first time and stayed in Texas. However, I believe the Lord planted them in Lakenheath to minister to others who were far from home. My parents were surrogate parents to many air force personnel and stand-in grandparents for their children. Mother counseled young military wives and made good friends with her British neighbors as well. Dad served as deacon in a church since he and mom had walked with the Lord longer than most of the congregation.

            Father, help me to “bloom” wherever you plant me and to be obedient to spread your word to those who desperately need your saving grace. May my seed continue to be scattered long after I’m gone, just as the blooms above turn into puff balls of spores that you scatter with the wind.