Each morning, I walk dogs down by a local river. Depending on the weather (and mud levels), I will take them along a footpath that crosses a large rapeseed field. Of late, the crop has begun to look quite sorry for itself, admittedly after some weeks under water and now at the mercy of the pigeons despite the bird scarers. I spoke recently with a farmer friend who explained that the humble rapeseed plant, or Brassica napus, to give it its official name, faces many challenges as it grows.
Rapeseed belongs to the Brassica family and is believed to be one of the first plants cultivated by humans nearly 10,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence indicates that rapeseed was grown in India as early as 4,000 BC. Winter rapeseed is often utilised as an annual break crop in three to four-year rotations with cereals such as wheat and barley. This practice helps to minimise the risk of pest diseases transferring between crops. Rapeseed is the third largest source of vegetable oil and the second largest source of protein meal globally.
Rapeseed begins its life battling the cabbage stem flea beetle, which, if left untreated, can prove fatal. Next, it faces an onslaught of slugs, followed by wet weather that results in flooding, submerging the rapeseed for many weeks. Currently, it is besieged by pigeons. You may notice the increase in noisy bird scarers and flapping plastic decoys where you live. The poor plant seems destined for failure, yet there remains hope. If you peer closely enough, getting right up to it, you can see green growth at the centre of the plant. My farmer friend tells me that rapeseed can lose practically all its leaves in the early growing stage, but as long as the heart remains healthy and intact, it will continue to grow. Perhaps this holds something of a modern-day parable for us as followers of Jesus.
I wonder how many of us can identify with the rapeseed plant, battered by the economic and geopolitical confusion of our time. Looking pallid around the edges due to the restless and ever-changing effects of climate change, many in the UK will surely feel soggy after weeks spent under a dark blanket of clouds that has allowed little sunlight to enter. I am certain I am not alone in feeling pecked and nibbled at, chipped away by life's frustrations and disappointments. Even the smell of cabbage is recognisable when I take off my wellington boots after a dog walk.
At a time when the institutions around us appear to be grappling with the toxicity of their brand following further allegations, and the Church feels vulnerable in our changing culture, we may wonder: Where can we find hope and encouragement? Perhaps the humble rapeseed plant has a lesson or two to teach us, reminding us that hope exists. Many of us are under immense cultural pressure, attempting to re-evaluate what it means to be the Church today while maintaining our Christian values and distinctiveness; we can quickly become disheartened and may even feel like giving up when, on Sunday mornings, there often appears to be so little sign of life. Through the metaphor of the rapeseed plant, I want to encourage you that God is not primarily concerned with the shiny leaves and signs of external growth but is far more interested in the state of our hearts.
The words of Proverbs 4:23 seem fitting, especially when read through the Message paraphrase:
“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.”
So, be encouraged; look after your spiritual heart (as well as your physical one!) and see what God can grow from there.
Simon Mattholie
CEO, Rural Ministries
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