In John 12:24 I read, “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)
What does a farmer do when he has 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.
I might think I’m waiting on God for what I’m looking for. But God says, “You think you’re waiting on me? The fact is that God’s waiting on me! He’s waiting for me 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 take what I’ve got, and give it away. That takes 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. 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, plant a seed. Whatever I 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 my life.
In summary, when a farmer has a barren field, He doesn’t complain. 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. I might think I’m waiting on God for what I’m looking for. But God says, “You think you’re waiting on me? The fact is that God’s waiting on me! He’s waiting for me to plant a seed.” Everything in life starts as a seed: 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 take what I’ve got, and give it away. That takes faith, and it brings glory to God. Jesus said that people will be saved and go to heaven because of my death and Resurrection. I’ll 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, plant a seed. Whatever I need, just plant a seed. 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 my life.
This is a beautiful picture of the necessary sacrifice of Jesus. 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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment