THE WORD IS A SEED

There is life, enclosed and dormant within a husk. There is a need for suitable soil, without which growth is impossible. There is slow growth with its length of time, calling for the long patience of the farmer. And there is the fruit in which the seed reproduces and multiplies itself. In all these respects, the seed teaches us precious lessons as to our use of God's Word.

There is life, enclosed and dormant within a husk. There is the need for suitable soil, without which growth is impossible. There is the slow growth with its length of time, calling for the long patience of the farmer. And there is the fruit in which the seed reproduces and multiplies itself. In all these respects, the seed teaches us precious lessons as to our use of God's Word.

Lessons From The Seed

The lesson of faith. Faith does not look at appearances. As far as we can judge, it looks most improbable that the Word of God can give life to the soul, can transform our whole character, and can fill us with strength. And yet it does. When we have learned to believe that the Word can do what it says, then we have found one of the chief secrets of Bible study. We will then receive each word as the pledge and the power of God's working on our behalf.

The lesson of labor. The seed needs to be gathered, kept, and put into the prepared soil. In the same way, the mind has to gather from Scripture, understand, and pass on to the heart the words which will meet our need. We cannot give life or growth to the words. Nor do we need to: it is there. But we can hide the Word in our heart and keep it there, waiting for the sunshine that comes from above.

The lesson of patience. The effect of the Word on the heart is, in most cases, not immediate. It needs time to send out roots and grow up: Christ's words must abide in us. We must day by day increase our reserve of Bible knowledge; this is like gathering the grain in a barn. We must also watch over those words of command or promise that have special meaning for us and allow them to spread both root and branches in our hearts. We need to know what kind of seed we have sown and cultivate a watchful but patient expectancy. In due time, we shall reap if we faint not.

The lesson of fruitfulness. However insignificant that little seed from the Word of God appears, no matter how trying the slowness of its growth may be to our patience, be sure the fruit will come. The very truth and life, and power of God's Word will grow and ripen within you. A seed bears a fruit that contains the same seed for new reproduction. In the same way, the Word will not only bring you the fruit it promised, but that fruit will become a seed which you carry to others to give life and blessing.

The Seed In Your Heart

Not only the Word, but "the kingdom of heaven is like a seed." The Kingdom's attributes come as a hidden seed in the heart of the regenerate person.

Christ is a seed. The Holy Spirit is a seed. The exceeding greatness of the power that works in us is a seed. The hidden life is there in the heart, but it is not always felt in its power. The divine glory is there, to be counted and acted on even when not felt, to be waited for in its springing forth and its growth.

As this central truth is firmly grasped and held as the law of all heavenly life on earth, the study of God's Word becomes an act of faith, surrender, and dependence upon the living God. I believe humbly, almost tremblingly, in the divine seed that there is in the Word and the power of God's Spirit to make it true in my life and experience. I yield my heart hungrily and entirely to receive this divine seed. I wait on God in absolute dependence and confidence to give the increase in a power above anything we can ask or think.