March 16, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 12:24: Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (NRSV)
Perhaps because it is nearly spring, this verse speaks to me this week. What seems like death, putting a single seed into the ground, is actually only the beginning. Well, not really the beginning, but a new continuation of sharing.
Now, I do not have the gift of a green thumb or very much enjoy gardening, but I have often gratefully benefitted from the generosity of those who do. One of the most unique gifts so far was purple okra, something from the past that I did not even know existed. But this farmer kept some of those heirloom seeds from each year's harvest and carefully planted and cared for them. They grew into plants with an abundant harvest they shared with me and others. And, by the way, they were yummy!!!!
Jesus uses this image of seeds and harvest for the kingdom. Unless Jesus leaves the disciples, the ministry, or the kingdom, will not grow. Now today, we are a part of the harvest from Jesus’ death and resurrection. Also, we are the heirloom “seeds” that share his word with others. Like the young one I was blessed to share bedtime prayers with this evening, who also plants seeds.
Abundant God, may your harvest through Jesus show us ways to also be seeds in your hungry world. Amen.
Blessings. And prayers.
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