Soil, hard with clay and stone. A barren landscape. Plain. Forlorn. Similar to my heart, quite honestly, at times. Nothing will grow in this, except the weeds of discontent and misery.
But a shovel, some good soil and earth, a bit of sweat and great effort. And seeds of Truth and God’s Holy Word, can be received in the dirt to bring about hope.
The seeds are a promise. There’s now hope of refreshing fruit.
God speaks to His people so they understand difficult things:
“. . . unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.
But if it dies, it produces many seeds,” John 12:24, NIV.
“If it dies, it produces,” produces and multiplies. Life and fruit overcome barrenness. And life overcomes death, all because a seed fell to the ground and dies.
What can this mean for you and me? Is the soil of my heart open to hear? Or do I carry on without a care?
The mystery is clarified. God’s Word simplifies:
In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God.
You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God.
Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.
But God was merciful!
We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you.
Openness to the Word softens the heart. Receiving the seed, is death on our part. But God then can work miraculously and bring life out of death. Only God brings life.
God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.
God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done.
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve.
This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.
God gives the gift. We simply receive. If our hearts are soft like good soil, and simply Believe.
It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.
God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live.
That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. Ephesians 2 Contemporary English Version.
An old hymn comes to mind:
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.(1)
Soil worked, seed in the ground, sun and water required, seed then dies, but by miracle it seems, a sprout appears. Hope for fruit right before our eyes.
Promise of a flower, a tomato, or pear. And for me and you, the fruit of the Spirit, more love, more patience, and self-control and gentleness. The ability for faithfulness and joy. Do we desire kindness and peace? Do we have the ability to do good
“. . . unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, . . .”
it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, . . .”
the fruit of love is spread all over.
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share
The Old Rugged Cross, George Bennard, 1912