[449 words]
I read an article not long ago about a team of scientists that attempted to construct a kernel of corn. They had analyzed an actual kernel of corn and broken it down to its molecular makeup and had determined exactly what it was made of. Then, using the same “materials” they constructed an exact replica of the kernel of corn. When they planted it, however, it didn’t grow. You see, even though they could duplicate the physical makeup of the seed, they couldn’t create the germ of life. Ironically this experiment cost thousands of dollars, when God could give them a kernel of corn for free.
It is amazing how God puts life in each seed and how, when the conditions are right, that seed grows to produce a plant that will bear even more seeds (Matt. 13:8). As the old saying goes: you can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you cannot count the number of apples in a seed! One seed brings forth amazing things when God is involved.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul touched on some important points concerning what we know today as annual plants – and this information is related to our salvation. “But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’ Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain – perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.” (1 Cor. 15:35-38)
In this passage, it is revealed that the plant must die to produce the seed that will bring new life. We also see that seed must be sown (planted) to produce. And finally it is important to note that seeds do not directly grow from the seed that is planted, but a plant grows from the seed.
Now, let’s make the spiritual application for us today. Just as only God can make a seed grow, so He is the only one who can give us true life. Men have developed many plans of salvation, but when “planted” they will not grow into eternal life. We must give up on trying to make salvation for ourselves and accept God’s. When we die to self (are “planted”) in faith and baptism, God gives us a new life (Rom. 6:3-5). Then when we are “planted” in faithful death, on that final day God will raise us up with new bodies fit for heaven (1 Cor. 15:42-57). Just be the submissive seed and let God be God and He will grow you into something beautiful – in this life and the next.
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY