Unexpected Vines Teach a Spiritual Lesson
BONNERDALE, ARK. – At the Bonnerdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, our quiet country congregation rarely sees anything out of the ordinary—but something truly remarkable recently appeared. Among the decorative rocks outside the church’s kitchen door, watermelon vines began to grow.
No one expected much from them, nestled among the stones, but soon delicate blooms emerged. Before long, we were enjoying our own mouthwatering watermelons. Someone, noticing this unexpected patch, took a thoughtful interest. With care and dedication, they fertilized and watered the vines. The result was an abundance of delicious watermelons that we all shared and enjoyed.
This surprising harvest brought to mind the parable of the sower, where some seeds fell on the path and were eaten by birds while other seeds landed among thorns or on rocky ground, where they struggled to take root. But our watermelon seeds, though cast by accident, flourished because someone nurtured them.
Usually, watermelons grow in a prepared garden where seeds are intentionally sown. These seeds were likely just thrown or spat out, with no expectation of a harvest. Imagine our surprise when we first saw the vines—and our even greater surprise when they bore fruit!
This unexpected growth offers a profound lesson. An unintentional contact can be made—perhaps a casual conversation or a simple act of kindness. When followed by prayer and nurturing actions, like the watering and fertilizing of our watermelon patch, a soul can be won for the kingdom.
The Lord, who brought those watermelons to fruition in such an unlikely place, is also capable of growing souls for His kingdom. It is His deepest desire that all people be saved and come to know His love. His commission before He ascended to heaven was clear: to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
By June Bates
