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” (NIV).
Today’s verse comes from John 12:23-26. In this Jesus replied, "Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But it's death will produce many new kernels, a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who server me.
Jesus provides me with a picture of the necessary sacrifice He needed to make. Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil, it will not become a blade of wheat producing many more seeds. Jesus had to die to pay the penalty for my sin, but also to show his power over death. His resurrection proves he has eternal life. Because Jesus is God, Jesus can give this same eternal life to all who believe in him.
I must be so committed to living for Christ that I "care for nothing" for my life by comparison. This does not mean that I should long to die or that I am to be careless or destructive with the life God has given, but rather that I am willing to did if doing so will glorify Christ. I must disown the tyrannical rule of my own self-centeredness. By laying aside my striving for advantage, security, and pleasure, I can serve God lovingly and freely. Releasing control of my life and transferring control to Christ brings eternal life and genuine joy.
Many believed that Jesus came for the Jews only. But when Jesus said, "anyone who wants to serve me must follow me," he was talking to these Greeks as well. No matter who the sincere seekers are, Jesus welcomes them. Jesus message is for everyone. Don't allow social or racial differences to become barriers to the Good News. I am to take the Good News to all people.
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 have to 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 a crop. He’s got to plant some seed.
Often I’m waiting on God. But I’m realizing that God is saying, “You think you’re waiting on me? I’m waiting on you! I’m waiting for you to plant a seed.”
Everything in life starts as a seed: a relationship, a marriage, a business, a church. And nothing happens until the seed is planted.
Why does God require me to plant a seed? Because planting is an act of faith. I need to take what I’ve got, and give it away. That takes an act of faith! And it 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, “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 what I’m learning about the principle of sowing and reaping: Whenever you have a need, you plant a seed. Whatever it is you need; 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 my family. If I need more money, give it away to someone who needs it. If I need more wisdom, share what wisdom I have with others. Give myself away!
It may not make sense 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 your life. When I have a need, don’t gripe about it, don’t wish about it, and I don’t even have to pray about it, just plant a seed!
Bottom Line:
Seeds need to die and be planted to be of a purpose. If it dies, it can produce many others.
What this means to me:
Unless a seed falls and dies, it remains just a seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
In summary, I need to learn to plant. If I live like this world is all there is, I'll lose it. If I don't care for the things of this world, then my life will be for an eternity. I must follow and serve Jesus. Don't allow social or racial differences to become barriers to the Good News. I am to take the Good News to all people. Just go out and start planting. I don't need to wait on God, he's waiting on me. Planting is an act of faith. Take what I have and give it away. It will bring glory to God. Whenever I have a need, plant a seed and give myself away.
This morning I meet a woman at Panera who shared with me her life and what she and her husband have been doing to serve people in need. They give when they don’t have and God takes care of them. What a great, live example of the principle of what I’m learning in today’s study.
Today, I thank God for the time I got to spend with so many family and friends while down in Southern California the last several days. It was truly a refreshment. I also thank God for having Nadia speak to me of her life and her mission. I lift her up today and ask that you continue to bless her and her husband and their ministry. I pray this morning as I get back to work that you give me the wisdom and guidance I need today to catch up with things/take actions. Help me in my response to others. In Jesus name I pray, amen!
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