BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S PLASTERED WHEAT – and CHRISTMAS and CHRISTIANS

Benjamin Franklin learned that sowing plaster (lime) in their wheat fields would increase the crops.  He told his neighbours, but they argued, saying that plaster could be of no use to grass or grain.

Franklin let the matter drop, but next spring, when the grain was sown, close to the path where men walked past, he traced letters into the soil and sprinkled plaster in them.

After a few weeks, the men were surprised to see, as they walked by, some of the wheat was brighter green and standing taller than the rest. As they looked, they were able to see the green wheat formed the words “THIS HAS BEEN PLASTERED”.

Benjamin Franklin no longer needed to argue the benefits of plaster, for as the season progressed, the result was obvious.

The connection with Christmas?

At Christmas time, we remember that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, Creator of the world, the King of kings and Lord of lords, was born as a Babe, taking on human flesh for a purpose.  HE WAS BORN TO DIE.  

Why?  Because a PERFECT sacrifice was the ONLY way that mankind could be reconciled with a perfect God. NO human being could meet that requirement, since ALL are born with a sinful nature, with a bias towards sin and are sinners by nature and by practice.  So the PERFECT Son of God was born into a world of darkness.  He lived a SINLESS life and so was able to pay the penalty for the sin of mankind.

His light shone forth.  He was a Man as no other man.  His Light and authority were OBVIOUS as He brought light to many, healing the incurably sick, casting out demons, raising the dead and performing many miracles.  He showed His authority over His own creation as He commanded the storm, the winds and the waves, as He walked on water, and as He feed thousands with a boy’s lunch. 

Jesus finished the work of redemption He came to do.  His perfect sacrifice was accepted by God, as evidenced by His resurrection.  After that He appeared to many, including more than 500 at one time – (as secular writings still in existence today verify).

His divinity was obvious, just as Benjamin Franklin’s plastered wheat was obvious to those who would see. 

The connection with Christians?

Benjamin Franklin let the ‘fruit’ of his belief speak for itself.  He didn’t need to argue the case, because the result spoke for itself.

Bearing fruit is essential to Christian discipleship.  When our lives stand out over the rest and stand brighter and fresher than the rest, there will be no need to argue the cause.  The world will see EVIDENCE of the indwelling Christ. HE will be exalted and He will draw them to Himself.

Other people saw the RESULTS of Benjamin Franklin’s plastering his wheat.
Do other people SEE the RESULTS of Christianity in us?

We are commanded –
Let your light so shine before men
that they will SEE your good fruit and will glorify your Father in heaven 
Matthew 56:16

By their fruits you will know them 
Matthew 7:20

Being a witness is not a choice. 
We ARE a witness. 
What sort of message does my witness portray to others?

Mr Anon says:
#  People look at me six days a week to see what I mean on the seventh.
#  A good example is worth a thousand words.

“We love You, Lord Jesus” we often may say,
But are we so ready His will to obey?
Let’s heed what God’s Spirit would have us to DO
For THAT is how we show Him a love that is true!

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