In review of John 12:24 it says, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Bottom Line:
In order for a single seed to produce, the kernel must be planted and die. When it dies like this, it will produce many seeds.
What this means to me:
Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it will remain alone. Its death however will produce a plentiful harvest.
What does a farmer do when he’s got a barren field that’s producing no income? He doesn’t complain about it. He doesn’t even pray about it! He just goes out and starts planting some seed, because nothing is going to happen until he plants the seed. He can pray all he wants, but it’s not going to produce fruit. He’s got to plant something.
As I reflect on my own life, I often wait on something, whether its something from God or something from someone else to get things going. What I’m learning that that God is actually waiting on me to plant a seed.
It seems everything in life starts as a seed; a relationship, a marriage, a business, a church. And nothing will happen until the seed is planted.
I believe that God require me to plant a seed, because planting is an act of faith on my part. I take what I’ve got, and I give it away. This type of action takes an act of faith! And its one that brings glory to God.
Jesus described this principle of sowing and reaping when he was trying to explain why he came to Earth to die on the cross. In John 12:24 Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (NIV). Jesus was saying, “Millions of people will be saved and go to Heaven because of my death and Resurrection. I’m going to plant a seed, and the seed is going to be my life.”
Here’s the principle of sowing and reaping: Whenever I have a need, I should plant a seed. Whatever it is: more time, more energy, more money, more support, more relationships, more wisdom; just plant a seed. If I need more time, give more time to those around me. If I need more money, give some away to someone who needs it. If I need more wisdom, share what wisdom I have with others. Literally give myself away!
It seems counter intuitive to give away something that I need more of, but that is exactly the kind of attitude that God wants to bless and that will produce fruit in my life. When I have a need, don’t gripe about it, don’t wish about it; just plant a seed!
This morning as I reflect on what I’m wanting God to provide, the following things come to mind;
focus, relief, and sound practice. When it comes to focus, I think God may be saying that I need to spend the right amount of time outside of work, when everyone else can not easily reach and vie for my attention, so that I can focus on the things that need to be done. I believe with relief, I’m looking for some release of the pressure of needing to find additional technical staff at work due to recent attrition. And when I think of sound practice, I think of an orderly way to bring new resources on board and to operate my team.
Given what I’m learning in today’s study, I need to plant the seed of: Dedicated quiet time for work related activities (away from everyone else, unplugged.) When it comes to relief, I need to continue to follow-up on contractor resources and interviews so that a decision can be made. Lastly initiate the actions to identify the top issues and have the teams develop process and procedures to help on-board new resources.
Just identifying actions and thinking through the steps of planting have already brought some overall relief to me. So today I pray for God’s assistance in helping me plant the seeds I have identified.
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