“… Unless A Kernel Of Wheat Is Planted In The Soil And Dies,
It Remains Alone. But Its Death Will Produce Many New Kernels –
A Plentiful Harvest Of New Lives” (John 12:24 NLT).
Yes, we all like abundance; we pray for it; we strive for it; and are thought to live for it; but little do we connect it with death! The kernel of wheat must die in order to produce the seeds that become flour for bread and other related products. This teaching by Jesus of getting by first giving is counter-intuitive and very contrary to the grabbing, grasping, and striving to amass more and more, that is prevalent in our modern culture. And Christians are not left behind in this pursuit, as the motivation to excel in it is couched in different doctrinal jingoism and persuasion. But Jesus Christ our model taught and lived service; giving; and death; for others – the whole world, and not grasping; grabbing; extortion; and amassing! And He asks you: what will it profit you if you gained the whole world but lose your soul?
So today, dear friend, as you have been given another privilege of life, to take on a new work week, which also leads into another month, at the threshold of the end of this wonderful year, may I remind you that Jesus instructs you to relinquish and not grab, if you are going to have more of what is of eternal value, and matter in His kingdom. The grabbing; grasping; undercutting; and amassing; that is synonymous with our lives is not the way of the Kingdom. We complain of its negative impact, pointing accusing fingers at others, but we do exactly the same thing. So, I ask you again, are you ready and available to be bread and wine for the hungry (Physically, Spiritually, and otherwise) today and this week? Have you died to self so that the sin of self-will will die, for Jesus Christ to be made alive, and be able to live in and through you; and be glorified today and always? I think that it is a most miserable life to have all things and be lonely. Die to selfishness; and let selflessness spring up in its place to bless your world today and always. And remember, the kernel that dies produces a plentiful harvest of new lives. And that which is given in obedience to God returns a hundred fold; taking you to the realm of exceedingly, abundantly, above all, you can imagine or dream of; according to the power of Jesus Christ that works in you.
Have a blessed, God-centred and victorious week.
Further Reading: Mark 8:36-37; John3:30-31; 13:14-17; Eph. 3:20; 1Peter5:5-6; 2Peter 3:10-12; 1John2:15-17.
