Vicar's Message

by Revd Martijn Mugge

 

ALL GOOD GIFTS

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Mention ‘We plough the fields, and scatter’ and what comes to mind: Harvest! Unbeknown to many, this popular hymn was written long ago, in 1777 by a German poet named Matthias Claudius who had become ill and returned to Christianity after leaving it in his 20s. During his illness he wrote a number of poems, including ‘We plough the fields and scatter’, which he had based on Psalm 144. The poem was published as a hymn a few years later and translated into English in 1862 by Jane Montgomery Campbell.

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Apart from the melodic tune, which is very memorable, the lyrics remind us of some wonderful truths about God, which we are prone to forget. Apart from the reminder that God is real, we’re reminded that God provides for us. See if you can complete the first verse: “We plough the fields, and scatter - the good seed on the land, - but it is fed and watered . . . ‘by itself?’ or ‘by magic?’ NO! ‘By God’s almighty hand’. Indeed, as the seasons change, lets rejoice that it is God who: “sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, the breezes, and the sunshine, and soft, refreshing rain.” Of course, God doesn’t just provide for our harvest. Verse 2 reminds us that “God is the maker of all things near and far; he paints the wayside flower, he lights the evening star; the winds and waves obey him, by him the birds are fed; much more to us, his children, he gives our daily bread.” As we ponder on the God who provides for us, we are also reminded that God loves us; why otherwise would He ‘send from heaven above, all good gifts around us?’ It’s why “We thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all His love!”

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And so, this harvest time, may you remember God’s provision and God’s love in the little things, and may they enable you to respond to God with what He most desires of us: “our humble, thankful hearts.”

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Harvest Service: 6th October at 10.30am. Everyone welcome!