Whoever thought it up was a genius – the event called Floriade in Canberra. Not so much regards the planting of beautiful gardens on a few acres in the centre of the city. But what happens next. When the blooms are done, the city’s citizens are invited, on a fixed day, and for a fixed cost, to come and dig up the bulbs to their heart’s content. It’s brilliant. The cost of the initial labour and materials are recouped, the bulbs are replanted in home gardens, and the city is beautified.

I’m not sure who put that equation together, but I know who put this one in place. Luke in his book of Acts records the initial labour of planting the gospel in the heart of Jerusalem, with healthy bulbs, soil turned well, and truths beautifully arranged. Then those very gospel bulbs were taken to homes, planted in family circles, and beautified the city:

‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles…. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.’