Highlight Devotion: David Myerholtz

Stewardship: the redemption of God’s land

“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants. 24 Throughout the land that you hold, you shall provide for the redemption of the land.”

Leviticus 25:23-24

David stewards the land at Myerholtz Family Farm in Gibsonburg. He approaches farming with a lovely mix of innovation, collaboration, faith, reverence, and humor. To hear more of his story, click the link below.

Highlight Video: David Myerholtz (Video – 7 min. 0 sec.)

Scripture: Leviticus 25:23-24

The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants.  Throughout the land that you hold, you shall provide for the redemption of the land

Reflection Questions:

• Share an interest that developed for you over time?
• David laughs that as farmers we know “the best crop you’re going to raise is just before you open the seed bag and put it in the ground”. He asks, what can you do to nurture that seed’s grow?” In what ways is planting a seed similar to nurturing faith? What lessons can we learn from those who farm?
• David says “one of the best things a person can say to you is, “I really appreciate you mentoring me.” Who invested in you? Who are you investing in?
• Leviticus speaks of the “redemption of the land” calling those who possess it aliens or tenants. What does it look like to care for something that you believe ultimately belongs to God? Name a time when you have strived to do this.

A Prayer from Wendell Berry:

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world and am free. Amen

Going Further:

To explore more about this topic, check out The Project on Rural Ministry blog for monthly articles on the connection between faith and the land. Consider hosting a Rogation Service or a Blessing of Gardens during the Easter season to bless seeds, soil, and water, as you celebrate our rural communities.