John 12:24-25
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
I am not much of a farmer or even a gardener. Even with my limited knowledge about this area I have been aware of one thing: God has established a principle that has remained consistent across the ages of time. In order to have a harvest, there must be a seed time.
Grains of wheat have been found in Egyptian tombs. Being dark and dry it remained just individual seeds for centuries. When these grains were test planted to see what would happen . . . they died! That is, they stopped being dry and dormant seeds. But in death the seeds produced shoots that broke the ground, and after a time a head appeared. These once individual grains reproduced. A seed had to go into the ground and die before it could produce a crop.
My grandparents were wheat farmers on the Oklahoma Panhandle. It was always a delight to travel from our home in the Pacific Northwest to visit and experience the excitement of harvest time. They grew winter wheat which was planted in the fall and harvested in the heat of summer.
I think it is safe to say that seeds are always planted in a different season than when they are harvested. Spiritually we are called to die to ourselves in order to allow a harvest in the future. Are you dying to self that others may find life? Are you planting what others will reap or are you reaping what others have planted? We are all intended to be fruitful servants of the Lord.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil