Christ, the Gardener

“Those God knew before time, God also predestined us to be shaped in the image of the Son…” (Romans 8:28-30)

As I pondered Jesus deliberately calling each of his disciples by name while walking through Galilee, I was struck by his intentional transformation journey with them. He moulded and reshaped his disciples into his image through a patient process. Despite his death being the ultimate consequence of this transformative mission, Jesus reappeared to them and continued to shape them for his mission. Paul’s words resonate deeply: “Those God chose before time, he predestined to be formed in the image of his Son…”

My mind’s eye pictures God as a gardener. The gardener who works for me springs to mind. This morning, despite the rain, he turned up for work. I thought about his loyalty, strong work ethic, patience, and focus in tending to the plants, pruning, clearing snails from the yard, weeding, trimming, sweeping, and cleaning. The yard’s beauty is a testament to his dedication. As I reflected on his work ethics, I realised that he represented the unseen God who patiently labours to shape his disciples in his image. 

Prayer

Lord, I admire your patience and gentleness in shaping your disciples, including me. Sometimes, Lord, my heart and mind are as hard as stone. Yet, you break me to rebuild me. You never abandon journeying with me. Your purpose of moulding me into your image is deliberate. Help me, Lord, to cooperate. Help me to guide others towards discipleship according to your own heart and mind. Grant me patient endurance and a merciful, compassionate spirit.