Springtime is Here! What Kind of Seed are You?

Springtime has arrived. Although in Texas, Spring can be hard to identify sometimes. We had a high of 37 degrees this past week on March 11th! No, but seriously. There is something beautiful about Springtime arriving on the scene. Beautiful flowers are beginning to bloom. The chill in the air is no more. Towering trees begin to radiate their vibrant hues of green.

A bountiful apple tree begins with a tiny seed and produces beautiful, delicious, and nourishing apples for us to enjoy. Recently I’ve discovered my new favorite apple; the pink lady. It is a combination of a Granny Smith and a Gala apple. A little tart and a little sweet without the “waxy” exterior.

A dear mentor friend of mine often encouraged me with this quote. Tom would say. “You can count the seeds in an apple, but only God knows the number of apples from one seed.” Does that make sense to you? I love it! Only God knows what your bounty will be as you seek to live for Him. It only takes one seed to reap a harvest of beautiful, nourishing fruit. So, let me ask you again the question in the title of this post. What kind of seed are you?

Springtime Sowing

In Mark chapter four, Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples. When I’m reading my study bible, I am always appreciative of an explanation of what I just read. In verses 13-20 of chapter four, Jesus goes into detail about the different kinds of seeds that fell on the ground. As we approach Springtime and are almost a quarter of the way through the year, I will recap this passage and see if there is a “seed” that you can identify with or maybe even hope to be in 2022.

There are only four types of seeds referred to in this parable. So, hopefully, this will be an easy question for us to answer.

Satan’s Seeds

This seed is the first kind of seed mentioned in the parable. Read Jesus’ explanation. (Taken from the NLT version.) The farmer plants seeds by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. Mark 4:14-15. I believe this seed is an unbeliever who has chosen not to accept God’s word. It’s my prayer that this is not the seed you are. If you have not chosen to receive the gift of salvation. My question to you is, why not? God’s desire, and I hope that you will come to Jesus and give him your heart. Your life will never be the same if you do!

 

Sandy Seeds

These kinds of seeds can be tricky. I refer to them as “sandy seeds” because they come and go with the tide as it rolls in and goes back out again. Look at how Jesus describes this kind of seed.

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Mark 4:16-17.

This was the type of seed I was before recommitting my life to Christ in 2012. I remember the joy of becoming a Christian at five years old, but I also remember how easy it was for me to “fall away” from seeking and living for God. It has been my commitment to deepening my roots in the foundation of God’s Word. I don’t feel the same without taking in some nourishing morsels of scripture to carry me through each day.

Strangled Seeds

Now this kind of seed has its hands full. As I got older, this kind of seed was most relatable. Especially in the years leading up to my stroke. Here is how Jesus describes a “strangled seed.”  The seed that fell among the thorns represents the others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly, the message is crowded out by the worries of life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so NO FRUIT IS PRODUCED. Mark 4:18-19. (author emphasis)

Wow. The worries of life and the desire for other things. Speaking volumes to anyone? I have to remind myself that there are “good things” that can strangle you at times and prevent you from producing any fruit for God’s kingdom. Only you can identify what those things might be in your life—something to really think about and consider, my friend.

 

Springtime Sprouting

I admit this is the seed I have been dying to talk about today! The fruit-bearing seed! The seed with a fertile heart and a willingness to obey and serve God. This seed is not a “perfect seed.” However, this seed is all about the heart. There is a hunger and a deep desire to fulfill God’s will for one’s life. I will call this seed the fruit-bearing seed. Here is how Jesus describes this seed. ” And the seed that fell on the good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much has been planted!”

Fruit-bearing Seed

So, have you figured out what kind of seed you are right now and what you hope to be? Being a fruit-bearing seed is not easy, but you can do it. You have to be committed to growing in the knowledge of God. Water yourself regularly in the nourishing, life-giving Word of God, and have the courage to endure hardship. You can read more about that in my post about Job last month. Colossians 1:10 has become my “mission statement” scripture verse. That is why you see it all over my site.

 

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to knoe=w God better and better. We also pray you will be strengthened with all His gkorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy., always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belong to His people who live in the light. Colossians 1:10-12.

 

Are you ready and willing to live as a fruit-bearing seed? God will supply everything you need to do just that. The choice is up to you. There is still lots of time left in 2022 to be a fruit-bearing seed. Thirty, sixty, or maybe even a hundredfold! Let’s do this!

 

Preparing for Spring,

Horace

 

 

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