When I ask someone to define the word farmer, or to explain to me what the word faith means... the responses are all over the board. If we could take the time to look up the word, let's say... in the 1828 Dictionary, we often will find that there is more to the word that we should consider.
The word farmer for example is: "a tenant, a lessee; one who hires and cultivates a farm; a cultivator of leased ground. One who takes taxes, customs, excise or other duties, to collect for a certain rate per cent; as a farmer of the revenues. One who cultivates a farm; a husbandman, whether a tenant or the proprietor. In mining, the lord of the field, or one who farms the lot and cope of the king."
Another example, is the word faith. Faith is defined as: "to trust; to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to believe, to obey. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers..."
Faith continued: "justifying, or saving faith is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.
The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior. Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God. Faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them." ~ 1828 Webster's Dictionary/in part
There was much more to the definition of faith, but I am sure you can see my point. So what does being a farmer of faith mean? To me : it is the hope, it is my active faith : in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob... being Redeemed of Jesus/Yeshua, to cultivate the land around me for my King.
To weed what needs weeding, to water the dry grounds and prepare the soil. To care for and assist, to be a light in the dark place. To hold on and never let go, to grow forgiveness, feed on truth and blossom in radical love. To create a safe haven in the physical and in the spiritual, to offer a garden of grace and foundation for the laws of God.
Yes, I want this in my life.
For me, and for those around me.
I know well - that farming is hard work and Redemption is messy. Or what it is like to thirst for the waters of living water, to choke on the meat of the Word and to swallow a camel while straining a gnat. I also know what it is like to receive earth shaking forgiveness and to be washed white... so much so it tore the veil in half.
I would like to be called a faith farmer, a collector of hope... an example of the work He has done and is doing... what about you? Will join me in being a farmer of faith?
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