God Gives the Growth

This week's devotion is authored by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign.

"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:5–9

"The more we have of His saving light in our minds, of His heavenly love in our wills and affections, and of a constant readiness unto obedience in our hearts, the more pure we become." John Owen (1862); Works (Vol. III, pp. 436-438).

When a nation celebrates its independence, what’s actually being praised? It’s a remarkably collective experience where millions of people rejoice in a feeling of unity. Beyond whose 15-minute fireworks display is more or less magnificent, there’s no room in such a holiday for comparison and boasting (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). The reason is simple: the growth of a great country, or a wonderful church and school, comes from God. The fruit of a tree or vineyard may hang from the branches, but their source of life is the vine (John 15:1–11).

What makes a national holiday so special is the unity and completeness it glorifies — a momentary break in criticism. He who plants and he who waters are one because the results of our labor are His. The fruit comes from the vine, not the branches. In God’s field, in God’s building, the sowing is our responsibility, but the glory that will be harvested is His.

To extend this joyful unity (of the faith) and completeness (the fullness of Christ) beyond one extraordinary day, our responsibility is to trust and obey (Ephesians 4:13). Because this has never been easy for our nature (Genesis 3), we can thankfully look to Paul’s words for encouragement in Christ (Philippians 2:1–9). Obey, abide, bear fruit, and experience full joy, together.

Sent forth by God’s blessing, Our true faith confessing,

The people of God from His dwelling take leave.

The Supper is ended. O now be extended

The fruits of this service in all who believe.

The seed of His teaching, Receptive souls reaching, 

Shall blossom in action for God and for all.

His grace did invite us, His love shall unite us

To work for God’s kingdom and answer His call.

With praise and thanksgiving To God ever living

The tasks of our ev'ryday life we will face.

Our faith ever sharing, In love ever caring,

Embracing His children of each tribe and race.

With Your feast You feed us, With Your light now lead us;

Unite us as one in this life that we share.

Then may all the living With praise and thanksgiving 

Give honor to Christ and His name that we bear.

Sent Forth by God’s Blessing, LSB Hymn 643

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.