Some years ago I planted...
Illustration
Some years ago I planted a row of tulip bulbs, expecting them to produce beautiful blooms in the early days of spring. When I looked at my handiwork a few weeks later, I found, to my surprise and chagrin, the bulbs had been lifted out of the ground either by moisture or by their own roots. They would never grow that way, so I had to replant them, this time pressing them down much more deeply into the soil. Any seed or bulb needs to be buried deeply in order to germinate and bring forth fruit. It really needs to die in order to produce life. Similarly, we have to lose ourselves and immerse ourselves in faith if we are to be fruitful. This is not popular, even among religious people. Most people say they prefer the simple faith and some easier way. They relate religion to the lilies of the field, the blessing of little children, being kind to one another, and making happy noises at Christmas and Easter. Shallow religion of this kind balks at crosses and sacrifice and blood. It is totally inadequate for this kind of world. The cross is not a golden ornament, but an instrument of death and destruction, a symbol of the power of sin and evil, a reminder of our need for a Savior. Fortunately, we can also see it as a sign of salvation and triumph.
