One of the greatest missionary movements of all time is connected to this verse. It started for many reasons — the movement of God above all, but the hope expressed in this verse surely had a part.
Will Townsend was a farmer, growing tomatoes and other vegetables in the small town of Corona, California. Hard work began with long days, but Will’s habit was to start every day with God. As part of that commitment, he faithfully read three chapters of the Bible on weekdays and five on Sundays.
Each morning, he gathered his family for devotions and the singing of a hymn. Because an accident had left him entirely deaf, Will was usually off key and sang too loudly, but what he lacked musically, he made up with sincerity. Every morning the family listened as he prayed, always closing with, “May the knowledge of the Lord fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.”
Years later, the farmer’s son, also named William, became convinced that every person on earth should be able to read the Bible in their own language. He founded Wycliffe Bible Translators to spread the knowledge of God worldwide — as the waters cover the sea. Coincidence? No.
The seeds we plant with our words and actions sprout and grow. Good seed produces good fruit in its season. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
I want to live for you every day, Lord, and to know you more deeply as the days go by. Show me where to plant my seeds of faith. Amen.
Go Deeper — This account encourages us to live faithfully. What patterns do you need to employ in order to strengthen your faith?
Photo Credit: Dan Grinwis