Living Like Scarecrows in the Melon Patch

Jeremiah 10:5: “Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

When I was young, we built a scarecrow for the garden. It didn’t work; about two hours after we built it, we noticed a crow sitting on the scarecrow’s head. Upon closer examination, the crow pooped on the head of the scarecrow. I’m sure he did it with disdain.

I believe we as Christians have become scarecrows in the melon patch in many ways. If we attempt to talk about spiritual things with other Christians in a public setting, more often than not, people prefer not to be bothered by such talk. Yes, we stand stoically while the world poops on our heads.

Has our faith become so totally personal that it is not socially acceptable to discuss it under any circumstances, much less live it out? When someone dies, we seldom comfort; we send cards. When a child graduates, rather than advice we send money. When couples intend to divorce, we hold back and uncomfortably say nothing because it is not our business. Yes, we’ve become scarecrows in the melon patch and yes, the crows to poop on our head.

Does the world take us seriously? I think not. Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 10:5: “Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.” “Do no harm”?— we cannot even sin with gusto.

With the Lord’s help, we must wake up from our slumber. Honor and lift up the Lord with our life. Yes, not just words but action.

Jeremiah 10:6-7 says: “No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.”

Yes Lord, there is no one like you. You have been kind and gracious to us in spite of our spiritual indifference. Be patient with your stoic and wandering sons and daughters.