A Corn of Wheat
Today's Verse:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. ~John 12:24
The science of agriculture is very fascinating and important. Our economies and livelihoods are dependent upon the successful sowing, nurturing, and reaping of wheat, corn, and other crops. Farmers must be knowledgeable and diligent about the seasons, the soil, the seed, the sowing, and the sharecropping. This knowledge makes all the difference between a small harvest and a great harvest. Jesus draws from the world of agriculture to teach a valuable lesson regarding success that is fruitful and perpetual. This morning, we are looking at lessons from a corn of wheat.
We see an exceptional requirement.
Jesus speaks about a law of the harvest. It is a law that must occur in order to have sustainability and success. A corn of wheat, which is the kernel head, must be separated from the stalk and fall to the ground in order for new stalks to occur. This corn of wheat must come apart from the rest of the body of the wheat, and once it hits ground, it must “die.” It no longer has life with the stalk that it was attached to. It is subject to a new law. That law demands that the corn of wheat abides in the soil in order for new life to occur. It experiences death from its former attachment and association. It is no longer dependent upon the old stalk. It becomes the means for new life to occur. In the Christian life, the most difficult experience that a believer must learn is the principle of dying to self. This is when we do not live for our desires and cravings so that we might draw closer to the Lord Jesus. It is a voluntary and sacrificial separation from the “old” attachments and associations that place dependence on people and things rather than Christ. There must be “death” to the old flesh.
We see an exorbitant result.
When this corn of wheat falls to the ground, it becomes associated with the soil. The soil and its nutrients give it new life. This corn of wheat begins to have roots, and life is surging through its little body. Soon, it becomes a new stalk of wheat! The law of harvest has been successful and complete. A death results in an abundant life. That’s the secret to a fruitful and abounding Christian life. “If it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” The principle of dying to self is the only means to a life that is consistently fruitful. When we get self out of the way, then success is possible. When we crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, then our attachment to the Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit is much greater, and fruitful results are constantly present.
We see an extensive responsibility.
There is no other way to achieve God’s hand of blessing for much fruit. It is a responsibility that is personal. We must hate our life in this world: this means that we abandon being selfish, temperamental, and egotistical. It is starting the day with the question: what does the Lord want me to do that will be a blessing to others? It is a responsibility that is practical. It is taking more time to pray and to read our Bibles. It is a “Jesus only” attitude in everything we do. It is a responsibility that is preserving. When Jesus says He shall keep it unto life eternal, He means that you have found the way of success that is everlasting and glorifying to God. It is a sure-fire way to have God’s blessing in our service.
A corn of wheat teaches us a valuable principle. However, it will cost us. It requires us to change our priorities and ideas. However, the result is a life that bears much fruit. What will you do?
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 13-15