After the Lord flooded the earth and dry ground appeared, Noah made a pleasing aroma to God by sacrificing an offering unto the Lord. In response to this, God said He would never curse the ground of man again. God does not end there, but adds a promise also. He said, “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest…will never cease.”1 God put his name on the line by stating He would never curse the ground again and that certain cycles in the natural would never end. Seedtime and harvest have been established in the natural since the beginning and will continue until a new heaven and a new earth appear. Since this cycle is important to God, then it behooves us to learn as much as we can about this process of seed maturing to harvest.
One aspect of a seed that determines its purpose and destiny is its size. Some seeds are very large, such as the coco de mer – a type of palm, which has seeds that weigh over 40 pounds. Other seeds are very small which may have millions of seeds in just a fraction of an ounce. A large seed has more energy reserves to produce larger, but fewer, seeds which require a longer germination period. Often, these seeds are waiting for ripe conditions to germinate and produce growth over a longer period of time. Smaller seeds don’t have as much energy reserve, but produce many more seeds. They are not as resilient but can germinate quickly given the right conditions. The famous mustard seed of the bible, an annual plant, is a type of small seed that grows to heights of 10 to 12 feet. Jesus referenced this plant because of the smallness of the seed and the prolific growth it exhibits.
Jesus had both sizes of seeds within Him. First, he was called as a carpenter. His dad was a carpenter and raised him to learn the trade as well. This was Jesus’ profession during the “silent years” of the bible. This may be considered a minor seed compared to the major seed of ministry and becoming the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”2 Jesus experienced seedtime and harvest in His life before the major seed began to germinate and become public to the world. Seeds were planted in Jesus while He spent time with his dad, Joseph, to learn carpentry work. Harvests included completing his first carpentry project by Himself to gaining new clients and increasing revenue for his family. Was He oblivious to the major seed within Him? No, His heavenly Father had planted this seed within Him, but the right conditions were not present yet for fruit to come forth. During this time of “waiting,” He continued to grow in the natural and the spiritual. He walked with the greatest of integrity, workmanship, and customer service in the business world, but He never disregarded His heavenly Father in relationship and communion.
We are no different. God has planted smaller seeds within us that have germinated, grown, and produced a harvest. These we rejoice in and enjoy the harvest. Then there are larger seeds which are still waiting for the right conditions to germinate and come forth. Some conditions include preparation, character development, and opportunity that bring life from the seed and propel us further into our calling. Like Jesus, who “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men,” we need to continue growing in the natural and the spiritual. God may have a mighty calling on you to reach thousands, yet you are laboring in an obscure position in a small company. Use this time to your fullest advantage. Learn how to walk in integrity, control your tongue, and possess a good attitude, because these traits are highly prized in God’s kingdom and by your heavenly Father. There is no “waiting” period in the kingdom, only preparation time.
Do you have promises that have not yet been obtained? Then you have larger seeds within you that still need to develop. Usually, the great thing about these harvests is that they are larger and have a sweeter taste! Don’t give up, don’t give in, harvest is coming your way as you continue to walk with Jesus. He is the master gardener!
1.Gen. 8:22 2.Jn.1:29 3.Lk 2:52
