Within every seed, there is life and a program that determines its growth. The other day we were talking about the redwood tree in Northern California which is so large that roads are made through their trunks so that cars can pass through them. Redwood trees grow to an incredible height and live for centuries. This giant tree grows from a small seed.
God’s Seed
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.
Mark 4:7-8
If the seed falls on good ground, the tree will grow to be mature and strong; otherwise its growth will be stunted.
Therefore, it is important for the farmer to prepare the soil well, so that the seed can take deep root. The seed that the farmer sows is a natural seed and will some day perish but the seed of God planted in our hearts is permanent.
In the above text we see that some of the seed fell among thorns. This means that the thorns prevented the seed from bearing fruit. Similarly, our heart is like the soil, so if our heart has divided interests, then the permanent seed of God’s word will not take root and grow, but will perish.
While the farmer sows good seed, the evil one tries to destroy the crop by sowing bad seed which produces thistles and thorns that prevent the good seed from growing.
In Matthew 13:26, Jesus talks about this subtle and devious act of the devil. He says “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.”
Let us not be asleep and allow the devil to bring in the evil tares but let us be spiritually awake. When we fall asleep, we will become unconcerned about sin and slip into a state of luke-warmness which will hinder us from growing to be the ‘giant redwood trees’ that God desires us to become in Him.
The word says that heaven and earth will pass away but His word will not pass away. Therefore, let us beware and protect the seed of God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to settle it in our hearts to bear much fruit for His glory.
Dear Lord,
I want to be a like a tree planted by the waters so that I may draw from Your river and bear much fruit. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo and Manju