"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12
A gardener was taking his visitor round the castle and the beautiful, well-groomed fields. The visitor commended the gardener and his wife for the way they were keeping the gardens. He asked, "By the way, when was the last time the owner of this garden was here?". "Several years ago", the gardener replied. The visitor asked, “Then why do you keep the gardens in such an immaculate, lovely manner?” The gardener replied, “Because I’m expecting him to return.” Then the visitor asked again “Is he coming next week?” The gardener replied, “I don’t know when he is coming, but I am expecting him today.”
One important promise Jesus Christ made to the Church in the last chapter of the book of Revelation is about the timing of His return to the world. The phrase "I come quickly" should keep every gardener on his/her toes till the owner of the garden eventually shows up. The gardeners must work tirelessly for their master everyday as if He would return by the end of that very day. They must consider themselves highly privileged to be among the few people that God has entrusted His garden to. Their commitments in serving God joyfully and faithfully at all times should not be in doubt. They must be loyal to their master and look forward to seeing him again when He returns. That is simply the Faithful Gardener's Mentality.
It is unfortunate that many people in our world today do not have the faithful gardener's mentality. It is obvious that many gardeners are no longer working for the owner of the garden but for themselves. They have turned the garden to business centres by commercialising almost every activity around them. Immeditate gratifications, earthly rewards or "What is in it for me" mentality, are now the driving forces of many gardeners in this generation. Many people are more committed in their place of work than in the garden of God. They work extra hours in their offices but never spend an extra minute in the garden for God. This is quite absurd.
Beloved, are you one of the few faithful gardeners around? Are you still keeping the garden or have you walked away in search of greener pastures? Have you commercialised your gifts and talents in the garden? Will the owner of the garden find you still standing when He returns? Please be sincere with yourself!
Friends, there is no doubt that the owner of this garden is on His way. The events unfolding all around the world today clearly reaffirms this fact. Yes, Christ's second coming is very imminent, hence, the need for many people to realign themselves with Him now is very crucial. We also need to stop commercialising our efforts in the garden.
"The King Is Coming" is the title of a wonderful hymn that reiterates the fact that Christ's return is imminent. As you meditate on the lyrics of this hymn, please trust God for grace to remain steadfast till Christ returns.
The King Is Coming by Ira David Sankey (1853)
Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming!
And the time will not be long,
Until we hail the radiant dawning,
And lift up the glad new song.
Refrain:
Oh, wondrous day! oh, glorious morning,
When the Son of Man shall come!
May we with lamps all trimmed and burning
Gladly welcome His return!
Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming!
And the time will not be long,
Until we hail the radiant dawning,
And lift up the glad new song.
With joy we wait our King’s returning
From His heavenly mansions fair;
And with ten thousand saints appearing
We shall meet Him in the air.
Oh, may we never weary, watching,
Never lay our armor down
Until He come, and with rejoicing
Give to each the promised crown.
May we never be weary of serving in the garden until the Master returns to give unto us our rewards in Jesus name, Amen.
Good day and God bless.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
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