Moore's Messenger - Summer 2004

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by Rev. Jack D. Cohen

Grass, Grass, Grass

Here we are summer 2004 where the combination of rain and sunshine has kept us mowing our grass again and again and again. While mowing the lawn this year, I have been thinking about so many things and most recently this verse popped into my head. In 1 Peter 1:24-25a we read a paraphrase from the Prophet Isaiah about grass ~ “For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.”” Grass is a very interesting thing and anyone who has tried to deal with it, knows how resilient, stubborn, and diverse grass is. Think about that comparison – “all men (and women) are like grass,” – it is not that far off is it?

Take a good look at grass and its nature in comparison with people. First of all, grass is very resilient. Over the last few years grass has experienced drought, flooding and yet it continues to remain and grow. For all the negative things that are said regarding humanity, one thing that is true is that we are very resilient. Whether it is the atrocities of the unthinkable holocaust during WWII; the horror of slavery in this country and around the world; or the shock, pain and loss experience in the events of 9/11; humanity has displayed that we are very resilient. Throughout the Bible, we find time and time again how those who trust in God are extremely resilient through war, flood, famine, crime, persecution, etc. The story of humanity, especially those who trust in the Lord, is one of resiliency.

In addition resiliency, grass and humanity are both stubborn at times. How many times have you attempted to seed grass in that empty patch in your yard only to have to use sod and other means to fill it in. At the same time, that beautiful area you have dug out, edged, laid down paper, mulched and placed stone in for your flowers and shrubs; has those stubborn blades and patches of grass shooting throughout your flowerbed. How God must view us in the same way! Where the Lord wants and needs us to “grow and flourish” we often may leave bare, and where God does not want us to plant ourselves, we at times end up sprouting. God desires us to have positive growth in fertile soil and in John 1:1 God reveals his landscaper talents when Jesus said, “1”I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” Jesus reveals that God as the gardener “prunes away” those that do not bear fruit; thus, one can also assume that God will plant us where He desires us to be and uproot us where we are not supposed to be.

Finally, grass and people are diverse. To some, grass is just grass; however, many know that certain grasses are made for certain areas and climates. For instance, Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, hold up well to cold winters, but do not do well in very hot weather. There are Cool-season people, who hold up well when things are cool and even-keeled, yet, when the “heat is on” they tend to crumble under the heat. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, love heat and sunlight. Think about those who love the lime-light; yet, when they are not the center point they too fall away. Mixtures are combinations of different types of grass. The various species all have different strengths and weaknesses, so collectively they hold up to just about anything. The question of life is: “Why am I here and what am I here for?” The fact is that God has a wonderful plan for each of us and he desires us to utilize our diverse gifts to further the ministry of Jesus Christ. If there is a Church that is made up of “cool-season Christians” it will often wither and fall apart when the heat is on. The church that is full of “Warm-season Christians” will often “die off” when the Christian walk becomes a commitment, lifestyle, and calling — cooling down from the “heat” of early experiences and not being the center point church. Truly what God desires is that diverse, gifted mixture of “grassy Christians” where we find out that the weaknesses of some are balanced by the strengths of others; thus, the entire church and its ministry is strengthened.

For all who are reading this article, I strongly believe that God has planted each in this church, community, country, and world for this time and the “yard of Moore’s Chapel Church,” the community, and greater world surrounding it will get the “GREEN THUMBS-up” when we all truly recognize and utilize the mixture of gifts that we all have to be used in fertile ground God has given us.

Yes, no matter what shape the grass is in, one thing is for sure, God and His Word will stand forever.

Shalom & Agape (Peace & Love)
 Jack D. Cohen, Pastor