GOD’S WORD IS LIKE SEED

“Now the parable is this: The SEED is the WORD of GOD” – Luke 8:11

GOD’S WORD is LIKE A SEED – alive and productive: “Now the parable is this: The SEED is the WORD of GOD” (Lk. 8:11). Those are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also calls God’s Word a seed: “Being born again, not of corruptible SEED, but of incorruptible, by the WORD of GOD, which lives and abides for ever” (1Pet.1:23). Just like a seed – the Bible is full of unseen life and transforming power. Jesus’ words “are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE” (Jh.6:63b). The words in the Bible may look lifeless and powerless. That’s the nature of seeds, until they are planted, and watered. The Power in God’s Word manifests more like the gentle, productive power in a seed, than like the explosion of a stick of dynamite.

Seeds contain life and power. Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works like a SEED (Mk.4:30-31). Here are Eleven Characteristics of Seeds that could enhance our understanding of the Word of God:

Seeds have life: Our physical senses cannot judge whether a seed is alive or not. We cannot see, feel, hear, smell or taste the life in a seed. The only way to prove a seed is alive is to plant it (Jh.12:24).

Seeds are dormant until planted. Seeds do not grow in a sack on the shelf. They must be planted in the right soil. A barn filled with seeds doesn’t produce a harvest. For God’s Word to produce in my life, I must decide to plant it in my heart and mind – by speaking. Hearing others speak the Word is good, but will not produce as bountiful a harvest as speaking the Word to myself (Rom.10:10).

Seeds are much smaller than the plant they produce. A scripture may seem small or tiny compared to the seemingly huge problem I face. But when planted, that Word will grow in me and overcome the problem.

Seeds always produce after their kind: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal.6:7). What is requires of me is to locate the scriptures relating to my need, and plant these scriptures inside abundantly. The seeds of the Word will grow up and produce a harvest of what I need or desire.

Seeds are powerful. As a seed begins to grow, it will push up dirt, rocks, and other obstacles. God’s Word planted in the heart will push all barriers out of the way.

Seeds begin to grow in secret. We can confirm if a seed is growing either by digging it up or waiting for a plant to appear. Digging it up may kill the seed. Waiting in faith for the Word to produce fruit is a better option and never a waste.

Seeds take time to produce. We do not expect a seed to produce a harvest the same day it is planted (Gen.8:22). Sometimes God’s Word seems to spring up and bear fruit abruptly. Yet, if we knew the details, we would understand that the fruit of the Word grew in that person’s life over time.

Seeds are persistent. A living seed never gives up, but works day and night. Even when the sower is sleeping, the planted seed is working to grow and express itself in bountiful and fruitful harvests.

Seeds are not affected by other seeds. Each seed sticks to its assignment. Whatevr happens to other seeds does not make a difference.  A seed does not become discouraged or quit, even if other seeds die.

Seeds require nourishment to grow. Planting a seed is not enough to assure a harvest. Seed must be protected and nurtured until harvest time. A seed that is dug up or not watered will not produce.

Above all, more seeds planted produce a larger harvest. Sparing sowing produces sparing reaping; bountiful sowing, bountiful reaping (2Cor.9:6). But without planting, failure is guaranteed!