Be Prepared
Here is a fun historical fact for you:
During the Napoleonic Wars, the neutral Denmark-Norway was under heavy pressure to pledge its fleet to Napoleon. This was, however, not acceptable for Great Britain, as the Danish navy fleet was about the same size as the British. Great Britain attacked Denmark several times in order to force Denmark to join the British alliance against France. Finally, in 1807 Nelson and Wellington besieged Copenhagen. After 3 nights of terrorizing bombardments with the newly invented Congreve rockets, Copenhagen surrendered. The British left with more than 300 vessels. In the wake of the overwhelming defeat, the Danish King decided to rebuild the fleet and ordered the planting of 90.000 oak trees – the Navy Oaks. 200 years later, the forester called the Minister of Defense: “Honorable Minister of War, your trees are ready.”
200 Years.
At that point oak was replaced with steel, and canvas with fuel engines.
You could ask “why bother”, or you can plant a seed. Warren Buffet famously said: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” To tie into that, a famous Chinese proverb goes like this: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
If we want a full church in the future, we have to start trusting God in the present. We need to be planting the seeds now.
What are those seeds?
The Gospel.
How do you plant it?
From the Old Testament I share with you Psalm 96:2-4 (ESV)
Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
From the New Testament I remind you off Philemon 1:6 (ESV)
Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
The Dutch planted seeds in the midst of defeat. Seeds for the future.
How much more should we be excited that we plant seeds from the victory of Jesus Christ.
Jesus says a seed must first hit the ground before it can begin to grow.
Are you growing?
Have you sang today?
Who have you shared your praise with?
Are you a publishing house for His glorious deeds?
Have you planted a seed?
See you Sunday,
-Pastor Dan