The Secrets of a Seed

A seed is the most potent symbol of life – we all began life as a seed. In Genesis 1:11-12 the whole cycle of nature is found in the multiplication of seeds. Seeds are virtually indestructible – they can lie dormant in the desert sands for years before the rains make them burst forth into life. Under the right conditions they can survive thousands of years, buried in an ancient tomb. But the amazing power and mysterious workings of a seed, is not only true in the natural world, but also in the spiritual. 

As our natural lives began as a seed, so too our spiritual lives.  1 Peter 1:23 “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but in incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and abides forever.” As our natural lives began as a seed, so too they will end as a seed.  1 Corinthians 15:35-39 - Here Paul likens our body being buried as a seed being sown, that will one day burst forth into new life. (That’s sometimes why a cemetery is called God’s Acre.)  The seed therefore is representative of our natural and our spiritual lives. 

So then, what we do, what we say, what we are, what we are becoming is likened unto the working of a seed. 

A seed can only produce if it is sown. John 12:24 “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.” Seeds need soil, moisture, heat and light. Given the right conditions any seed will release the life germ within itself. Jesus said, “If a man saves his life he will lose it. But if he loses it for Christ he will find it.” I remember the time I ‘lost’ my life for the sake of Christ. What about you? What part of your life, have you, or are you sowing?  

A seed can only produce after its own kind. That’s the unalterable law of Genesis 1:11-12 (What you sow you will reap) Galatians 6:8 is the spiritual counterpart of that. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever a man sows that shall he also reap.” That’s a basic law of physics: ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ This is why it is vital to sow the right kind of seeds. (It works both positively and negatively.)  What words do you sow? We sow with our mouths as well as our hands.  It’s the law of reciprocity – you sow you reap. You give you receive. You die you live. Galatians 6:8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”  You are laying up for yourselves treasure in heaven... Luke 6:38 “Give and it shall be given unto you... 2 Corinthians 9:6 “He who sows sparingly will reap also sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap also bountifully.” Luke 10:2 Christ is Lord of the harvest.

A seed will produce if the conditions are right and the time is right. Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown towards His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Psalm 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed (seed for sowing) Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

- Pastor David Goudy