Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

A few weeks ago, I shared that my grandchildren had helped plant seeds in a corner of our back yard.  We planted seeds for lettuce, radishes, carrots and tomatoes.  Every time the kids come to visit our house, they run to the back yard to see how the seeds are doing.  It is fun to see their excitement and enthusiasm.
At first, there was nothing but dirt.  For several weeks, we watered, waited and watched.  Then, at last, there were tiny little seedlings that emerged from the rich, dark soil.  These little sprouts were so small that you might not have noticed them.   A week later, there were many young plants that were emerging all over the garden.  I suppose it has been six to eight weeks since we planted the original seeds.  I wish we had recorded the date.
Now, when the grandchildren come to visit, they have a lot to see.  Small vegetable plants are growing taller and stronger.  The kids love to help water these little plants.  The lettuce looks promising.  I’m not as sure how the carrots and radishes are doing underground.  We can’t wait to see.  I think every child should experience the wonder of planting seeds.  It is amazing that a living plant emerges from a dead seed in a pile of dirt.  It is amazing that fruits and vegetables are the result of one little seed!
I know that many people believe that this is simply a result of millions of years of evolution.
But, I think it is actually evidence for the existence of God and the perfect balance of conditions that enable tiny seeds to grow into healthy, edible plants.  The conditions have to be perfect – water, sunlight, soil and nutrients all have to be there in the proper amounts.
In the Creation account in Genesis Chapter One we read, ” Then God said, let the earth sprout with vegetation, plants yielding seed after their own kind, and trees bearing fruit with seeds in them after their kind, and God saw that it was good”. (Genesis 1:11)
In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul says, “God did not leave Himself without evidence, but He has shown His kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17)
I’m thankful that my grandchildren are able to see these tiny seeds growing into healthy plants.  I hope that they will get to taste some of the fruits of their labor in the months ahead.  And, I hope they will realize that this remarkable process is the result of God’s amazing creation.
The next time you go to the grocery store or a local farmer’s market, take a moment to remember that a hard working farmer planted the seeds that grew into the fruit and vegetables that you see.  And, take a moment to give thanks to God who designed all of this so that we might have food on our table every day.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org