It’s that time of year again — it’s planting season! And, whether you are planting a garden or a field, both require cultivating the ground, planting seeds, watering, pruning, protecting and harvesting. The work can be time-consuming, challenging and sometimes even frustrating. But it can also be peaceful, comforting and very rewarding. And, in the end, it is worth it!
In all reality, we are no strangers to this kind of work. In Geneses 2:15 it says that “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.” Adam found his work enjoyable and pleasant and there was always a bounty of food available. And, this first garden was to provide food for the physical nourishment for humans and animals. It was meant to bring life — an abundant life.
;void('');)
As farmers and gardeners, we know that barren fields produce no yield. You must plant seeds, or nothing is going to happen. Everything in life starts as a seed: ideas, relationships, businesses and even churches. But, here’s the thing…nothing is going to happen with those seeds unless they are planted. God requires us to plant seeds because when we do so we are being obedient to Him and showing an act of faith. And, faith and obedience bring glory to God. We take our seeds, we plant them, we care for them and we wait on God. It takes faith to plant a dead seed in the ground and wait for it to produce a crop.
Jesus teaches us about sowing and reaping a bountiful harvest in John 12:24. He says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” In this reference, Jesus was saying that His life is the kernel of wheat (the seed). He will die on the cross and be buried in the tomb (planted), just as the kernel of wheat dies and is planted in the soil. But because of His death and resurrection, many people will be given eternal life…just as a dead kernel of wheat can bring new life to a barren field. Both will result in a bountiful harvest. For the wheat seed, an abundant harvest of wheat. For Jesus, an abundant harvest of souls that will have eternal life. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Just like planting seeds in a garden or field, we must be willing to plant seeds into the lives of others through our time, talent and treasure. And, with enough care and in its time, God will bring forth an abundant harvest…a harvest that gives life. Happy planting!
