Every Seed Has Its Season…
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)
There is a season for everything God has established and wants to establish.
Every living thing reproduces after its kind; every tree, plant, animal, bird and man, “whose seed is in itself” has the ability and the mandate to reproduce. Each seed, which is essential for reproduction, has a gestation season; time during which the seed is buried, out of view.
Typically, smaller things don’t need as long to develop, while large animals need a much longer period. For example, an elephant’s gestation season is about 640 days! Amazing!
We understand the plant and animal kingdom function according to the law of “seed time and harvest.” “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” (Gen 8:22 NLT)
The spiritual law of sowing and reaping operates along the same principle. “…A time to plant and a time to harvest.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT) In fact, the Kingdom of God can best be understood by studying the law of seed time and harvest.
In Mark, chapter 4, Jesus taught several parables about sowing and reaping and understanding the Kingdom. In the first 8 verses He shared about the “sower sowing seed”. Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4:9 NLT) In other words, don’t let His words go in one ear and out the other.
Jesus then makes a statement, in response to the disciples’ questions, that is a powerful revelation regarding seeds and seasons. “Don’t you understand what I’m saying? Come on, guys. Understanding this word will open up everything else I’m saying.” (Mark 4:13 paraphrased)
Through the rest of the chapter, Jesus explains the Kingdom of God using the example of sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting. For example, Jesus said “the sower sows the word.” He then gives different scenarios, but the common thought is “sowing and reaping.”
In verses 21-25, though mentioning a lamp on a lamp stand, He continues His theme. A lamp is to be used for its designed purpose, same as a seed. “Nothing hidden which will not be revealed…” is connecting with the seed analogy. Whatever is planted is what will be harvested, or revealed. Everyone will see it, as if it’s under a light. “Take heed, pay attention, how you hear. The way you hear is the way you’ll walk in the Kingdom.”
In essence, “hearing God’s Word” is the same as the Word being sown into our heart.
Continuing, in verse 26, Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” (verses 26-29 NLT)
Scattering seed, sowing seed, is how the Kingdom of God operates. In everyone one, for everyone, through everyone.
No exceptions.
Whatever we do for, or against, others is the same as sowing seed.
Whenever we honor someone, we sow seed.
If we ever complain about someone, oops, that’s sowing seed.
When we hear someone speak the Word of God, they are sowing into our lives. It’s important for us to continue the process by receiving the word, hiding it in our heart, so it will not be dug up by some old dirty “bird”!
Every seed must be hidden, planted, for a season. How long of a season? As I mentioned earlier, it will vary based on the seed.
The seed’s season is where we can get tripped up!
Huh?
The length of time the seed (the Word, or whatever we’ve sown) has to be hidden can get us frustrated with God and others!
Better?
People who plant gardens every year understand the “season” aspect. In fact, we probably ALL understand it from a natural standpoint. That’s one reason Jesus used the planting and reaping analogy when explaining to us how His Kingdom operates.
But it isn’t just the sowing and reaping. For there to be a harvest, there must first be a growing season. That’s the time none of us like.
What happens if a baby is born too early? And what if a “word” from God isn’t allowed to grow to full term? If a premature baby may die, what about His promises? And though a premature baby may live, there could be serious complications.
Remember Abraham and Sarah? They got tired of the “planted” or “hidden” promise; the growing season. They wanted to “see” the harvest, the promise, so they decided to “help” God. However, the season of God’s promise was cut short by their impatience. God worked it out anyway, but there were (and still are) complications.
I understand there are other ways of explaining “seasons”. After all, it IS important to know WHEN and WHERE to plant seeds. In my opinion, though, people can be a little TOO concerned about the when and where, to the point they don’t plant anywhere or anytime. That is NOT the will of God.
“I don’t want to waste my seed!” Who said you would?
GOD said, “whatever you sow, that shall you reap.” Go ahead, sow like that’s all you have to do!
But understand the Kingdom of God operates according to seed time and harvest; and every seed sown must have a season to grow. The bigger the promise, act, dream, whatever, the longer the season.
The season it is hidden from view.
The season where our patience is tried.
The season we stand and say with Habakkuk, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17,18
As believers in Jesus, we live in the Kingdom of God -” a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year! (Deuteronomy 11:12 NLT)
“They (we)are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their (our) leaves never wither, and they (we) prosper in all they (we) do.” (Psalm 1:3 NLT)
“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”(2 Corinthians 9:6-10)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
Remember, EVERY seed has its season. And, allowed to grow, the seed will produce after its kind!
Have you been planting? Are you patiently waiting?
Jan Grace 