Seven Year Bamboo

Although typically fast-growing, there is a special type of bamboo grown in China that requires a specific type of care to grow. After initially sprouting, the bamboo acquires a modest height of a foot or so. At that point the growth becomes dormant. However, an expert on the soil required for the growing of this plant continues to care for the seedling. In fact, for the next seven years this man waters, fertilizes and moves the plant to the proper amount of sun and shade. The entire time he cares for the plant, however it never shows an outward change. There is no assurance that his tireless efforts are having any effect at all on the plant. What love and patience he shows for his task.

Then in the seventh year, the soil expert brings in another person. This person’s sole job is to prune this small plant. His expertise is that, if he prunes the plant exactly as he should, this tiny seedling will grow close to twenty feet in the next several weeks. As he prepares to perform his task, he must accept that the small plant is healthy and has been cared for, because there is no way to know from an outward appearance.

As the plant grows and reaches its new heights and glory, who is to receive the credit? Certainly without the patience of the “soil master” the plant would have died years ago. However, without the expertise of the “pruner” the growth would never have occurred. The potential would not have been recognized. Both together worked at producing a beautiful living testimony to their talents and patience.

In I Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul writing to his brethren at Corinth said this,” I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” In Acts 17, verse 11 we learn a little more about the “soil and plant” of the hearers. Paul said that the Bereans were more noble than those at Thessalonica. How? They received the word “with all readiness of mind…”

As we think of the souls in our lives who need to hear God’s word, let us remember our jobs. We are tasked with planting the seed, and watering and praying for the effort. The hearer is to prepare their mind for the word. Often this can be a long and discouraging process for the planter. When you get discouraged, remember the patience of the “soil master” and keep working.

Brethren, each one of us knows someone today who will never, ever hear the truth of God’s amazing plan to save us, if we don’t tell them about it. Think of who that is in your life. Your spouse? Parent? Coworker? Neighbor? Now that you are thinking of them, resolve today, right now to share the Word with them. Plant the seed in their heart with love and patience. Do your part to nurture the growth that may be invisible with your eyes. And do not be discouraged, God can take the planted seed and grow it into a magnificent and wonderful thing!

---Written by: Todd Soong