Sower, Waterer and Reaper -- the roles we might play...
| I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1Corinthians3:6-15) |
Farming takes a lot of planning, choice making, hard work, patience and faith for good rains and harvest. Paul considers himself as one that planted the seed. He was the pioneer of the new church in Corinth. He planted (preached the unadulterated word of God) good seeds. He was the one who introduced these people to Christ.
The second person who came along was Apollos. He is the waterer. He brings the ministry of mentorship. He natures the plants and encourages the work. In this vein we see continuity in God's work. His work was to build on top of the work which was started by someone else. Paul says each one who participates in this great work of God must be committed to do their best. The work of Apollos was that of nurturing, pastorally caring for this church and the believers and grounding them in doctrine. Paul calls this ministry as that of Waterer.
Paul quickly draws our attention to the Grower and the Reaper. As much as the sower and the waterer are important he acknowledges the third Being in the whole panorama. God is the one who brings about Growth. He is the one who causes the seed to grow. The Sower and the Waterer count themselves blessed that they can join the God of the universe to contribute by planting and watering the seed which God brings to the level of productivity. God in his mercy and grace will reward each of the persons (this is the Reaping) who participate in this great work of changing lives for God.
As believers today we may have similar opportunities like that of a Sower or a Waterer. The opportunity of doing the pioneer's work or that of establishing the work that was started by other people. We need to remember that God is the one who brings about increase. We must do our work properly so that we don't lack rewards at the end of our work. There is a reward that shall be given to those who use their opportunity to be the Sower or the Waterer.
May God richly bless you as you play your part in God's vineyard.
May God richly bless you as you play your part in God's vineyard.
Amen
Rev. Dr. Christopher M'kandawire, minister of the UPCSA serving at David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church within the bounds of Munali Presbytery, Synod of Zambia. Husband to Rhoda and father of three, Wanangwa, Kondwani and Wongani. Loves reading and adventure.
