Plant the Seed of Life...Yield a Magnificent Harvest

Seeds…tiny sources of life; particular seeds for particular life: plants, trees, flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The seed may not be recognizable for the life that it carries, but visible proof eventually gives evidence of the kind of seed that was planted. The seed, however, cannot work alone. It must be received into nourishing soil and cared for with sun, water, and fertilizer. The process of seed planting, growth, and harvest takes time. It takes patience and expectation to yield the benefit of the life-giving seed.

The Word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11). This seed is alive and filled with power (Hebrews 4:12). As with natural seeds, it too has many varieties of particular life that are eventually evidenced after planting. The nature of this seed, that is its purpose, however, is identified before planting, but it still requires a patient expectation for growth and harvest. For example, perhaps an individual is experiencing a need for strength during a trial. The Word confirms that Jesus’ strength is available and empowers the believer. This is the seed for strength. It is planted when the person hears and believes the message (Luke 8:12-15). The Word contains many seeds that accomplish different purposes. In summary, each Word is a seed of life and will produce a specific kind of life depending on its purpose. Isaiah 55:11 confirms that each Word is from the Father and goes forth from His mouth to accomplish a purpose and prosper in the thing for which it was sent; the Word will not return to Him void without producing an effect that it was destined for. That is why the Word, which is a seed, is alive and active and filled with God’s power to complete its task.

Proverbs 4:20-23 gives instructions about what it means to plant the Word, confirming that it is the source of life for all who find it:

·         Give attention to the Word

·         Hear it with your ears

·         See it with your eyes

·         Keep it in your heart; meditate on it

As the seed of the Word is planted in the heart, it should be guarded. There, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Spoken words confirm what has been placed in the heart, and what has been the focus of your meditation.

Hebrews 3 and 4 provide additional instruction, noting the importance of hearing the Word and not hardening your heart in unbelief when the Father speaks (vs 3:15).

The care with which you plant the Word will determine the benefit you will receive from it. Spending time in the Word, listening, allowing it to paint a picture, and meditating on it, causes it to take root. This step in the planting is essential otherwise the devil comes along casting doubt and distractions; “he comes along and carries away the message out of the heart, that you may not believe” (Luke 8:12). Without a strong root trials and temptations may cause an individual to withdraw from God, as lies are believed instead of truth (Luke 8:13). Strong rooting prevents the attractions of this world from grabbing your attention, and your emotions from taking charge of your life resulting in such upset as anxiety, worry or depression (Luke 8:14).

The Word helps identify the lies of the enemy. If the truth of God is unknown, lies cannot be recognized. Lies must be known so that you may fight against them. Otherwise, it is easy to agree with a lie, especially during challenging times. Knowing God’s truth promotes confidence against His Word being weakened due to disappointments such as a lack of natural evidence that your prayer has been answered. The enemy challenges the Word of God suggesting it cannot be trusted thus this moment is used to cast doubt and weaken faith. Knowing truth, however, promotes confidence in the Lord allowing a steadfast approach to the matter based on the might and power of God, according to His ability; you are not persuaded against God’s Word by looking at the circumstance. You don’t lean to your own understanding, but by faith, you stand. Confidence in the Lord also helps you keep your mind focused on Him for clarity. The Word must be well planted and rooted for this to occur.

The Word is your source of the knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This knowledge is the result of a well-planted and cared-for seed. It is critical for a victorious life and relationship with the Lord. The seed of His Word allows you to gain knowledge of Him. Knowledge of Him promotes a life lived in His grace and peace. As 2 Peter 1:2 states, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” It is also according to knowledge of Him, that you receive by His divine power, all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Planting the seed of His Word is imperative therefore, for your life! Clarity of Who God is and who you according to His workmanship becomes clearer as you hear from the Father and learn from His wisdom. Wisdom is the result of seed planting. And as you grow in knowledge of God and His Son, you also grow in knowledge of yourself as His child.

Relationship with God is an expectancy of hearing Him speak to you; listen with expectancy (Psalm 85:8). Allow the Word of God to be your focus and be determined to avoid being persuaded by anything that challenges what He says. Keep Him first as your vital necessity. This requires adherence to His instruction regarding the planting of the seed of His Word and the care that you give to it.