Lord, You have scattered Your seeds of Truth.
By faith, I receive Your seed – Your Word – into the soil of my heart.
Let Your Word grow and produce
a plentiful harvest in my life!
Focus of the Month: “A Plentiful Harvest”
By this time, throughout the Midwest USA, farmers have harvested their fields. Harvest time is a result of months, even years, of planning. There’s the purchase of the land, equipment and seeds. Next comes the work of clearing, preparing and planting the fields. Then, the farmer must protect and nurture the plants with proper water, nutrition, and pest control. Eventually, the harvest is realized…and preparation for the next planting is often already underway.
The industry of agriculture abounds in scientific research and technological advances to bring improvements in technique, equipment, and production. That being said, have you ever noticed that seeds, in the right conditions, don’t know “not” to grow? My Pastor says that often…”A seed doesn’t know NOT to grow.” Have you ever seen a dandelion push up through the concrete? Ivy pierce the foundation of a home? Or, little oak trees sprout through the yard? Those seeds, regardless of not being tended, have been scattered and grow … and if left alone, flourish!
In Mark 4:26-29, Jesus said,
“The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Is Jesus talking about seeds and corn? No. His subject is the Kingdom of God. We typically have trouble understanding spiritual truths because we are often like Thomas – we must see to believe. Therefore, Jesus taught in parables and used natural subjects to teach spiritual truths.
So, what is Jesus saying about the Kingdom of God in this passage? And what harvest has come?
Romans 14:17 says the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Think of it this way: seeds of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit – the truths of the Word of God – are spread. Some take root in the soil of the hearts of people. The seeds grow, producing protection, yielding fruit, and providing an abundant supply to cause the hearer to prosper.
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). As we hear the Word of God and study the Scriptures, seeds take root in the soil of our hearts. These seeds grow. They don’t know how “not” to grow. The Word of God produces righteousness, peace and joy in our lives. As we grow in Truth, first the blade forms (revelation), then the ear (understanding), and then the full grain in the ear (application). And, once the grain is ripe – in the fullness of time – the manifestation of the spiritual truth in the physical situation occurs. Harvest has come.
This can apply to any teaching within the Word of God – whether it be salvation, redemption, restoration, provision, healing, victory, joy, love, protection, and more.
Have you received the Word of God into the soil of your heart? As that Word matures in your heart, have you experienced growth and benefit from that Word? Has your faith increased to produce fruit in your own personal life? What crop are you producing with the seeds planted in your life? Allow God to plant seeds of truth in your life. Increase your faith as His seeds grow in the fertile soil of your heart.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Mark 4:2629; John 20:25; Matthew 13:34; Romans 14:17; 10:17; James 1:21
