It is planting season for farmers. I can only imagine how many seeds they plant. They can get a field planted in record time with the machinery they have nowadays. Some of us are backyard gardeners and we generally plant seeds by hand or buy plants that have been growing for a while. Some have been growing their own food for years and have let some plants go to seed for next year's planting. They no longer must buy seed. And we all would like to have a bountiful crop!
When Jesus began His ministry, He asked fishermen, tax collectors, sinners to follow Him. He said “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19, NIV). Jesus taught His disciples to "plant seeds." Some plant, some water, some harvest. In a person's life, they may be met with many people who have talked with them about Jesus, when one day, they receive salvation accepting what Jesus has done for them, asking Him into their lives, asking forgiveness, repenting of sin, and become saved.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NIV), Paul wrote: "6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."
It is God who is responsible for making the seeds we "plant" grow, although He utilizes others in the process of spreading the Gospel, which involves the planting, the watering, and the feeding, similar to fertilizing. We feed by teaching the new people about Jesus. And it is not just the new people who have received Jesus, but all of us need feeding. We are fed through reading the Bible; praying to God (having a conversation) through Jesus by the Holy Spirit, which is why we always end prayer "In Jesus' Name"; Bible Study with others; hearing the Word (Bible) during sermons, etc.
I want to share the Parable of the Sower, which illustrates what can happen when we sow seeds of the Gospel from Matthew 1:3-8; 18-23 (NIV)...
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
We as believers, are supposed to share the Gospel, the salvation that Jesus Christ brings to us, with others. As we share the Gospel individually, we should also build a relationship with those we are sharing. We should get to know them and let them know we care about them, but more importantly, that God cares about them and loves them very much. We are to be salt and light to all people we encounter. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) states: 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Take them under your wing. Invite them to church. This is part of discipleship. Help them to get connected in the church. Help them to find a place to serve in the church. Provide tools they will need in their walk with Jesus, to learn more about Him, like a Bible, bring them to Bible Study. The new believer is usually on fire for God at this time, so utilize that fire as a source of energy for them to serve and talk with others about Jesus and how He has changed their life.
So, plant the seed, water, and fertilize it in people and watch God make them grow!
Thank you for taking time to read this devotion! My hope is you are blessed by it and that it sparks a flame in your life to share the Gospel with someone, one someone at a time. God bless!
Prayer Ministries - Pastor Vicky Conklin-Johnson