God’s Word Changes Lives
God’s Word changes lives. Just like a seed in the ground, we may not get the immediate result that we want. But that doesn’t stop us from planting because we know that plants take time to germinate, and to grow. Fruit trees often take years before they bear any fruit. And the same is true with sharing and studying the Word of God. Just because we don’t see an immediate result doesn’t mean that the Word is not growing and preparing us for the fruit that it will in fact bear. So we must plant seeds if we want food on the table, and blessing in our lives. We must be obedient in planting seed so that we can see the harvest in our lives. It is the Word of God that is the seed that makes the difference. It is the Word of God that changes lives.
Scripture:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:5-6
Observation/Application:
Today’s scripture is so packed and amazing that I hardly know where to begin. I want to talk about what it means to “sow in tears”, and then about “bearing precious seed”. Let’s start with seed so that we can first understand what is that is so precious that we are to bear.
Seed is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “That from which any thing springs; first principle; original.” The Bible teaches is that “the seed is the Word of God” – (Luke 8:11) . And if we dig deeper we read that, “by the Word of God that live and abide forever.” – (1 Peter 1:23) We also read that, “the Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” – (John 6:63) Both these scriptures teach us that the Bible, the Word of God, is alive. Further, every Word of God is pure. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – (Proverbs 30:5) The power is in the Word of God.
If we want to know this power, if we want access to this power, we have to read the Word of God. If there is one thing worth reading, worth filling our minds with, it is the Word of God. It is our foundation, our source of all power, wisdom, and understanding. Jesus models how we can always turn to scripture for any of our needs. He was continually referencing scripture throughout his life and work. None is more obvious than when he was tempted by the devil in the desert. Jesus responds by quoting scripture. Jesus modeled exactly how we can face trials in our lives. Scripture is our best defense during times of trial, and a firm foundation for us at all times and in all places.
Bearing is defined in Webster’s dictionary as supporting, carrying, producing. So how can we as Christians bear precious seed? We can give Bibles out, or help more get printed. We can pray for missionaries. We can send financial support. We can help bear the work that is sharing the Word of God and making disciples. Not all of us are called at this moment to be missionaries, but we can be helping those who are doing this vital work. We can also help by sowing of our time and our talents. If you are not sure how you can help, ask your local pastor. The local church needs all kinds of help. No job is too big or too small. We all play a vital role.
Precious is defined in Webster’s as valuable, costly, expensive; invaluable, priceless, great price, costly, of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly. If there is something that is precious, it is the Bible which is the Word of God. There is nothing of greater value. There is nothing more precious. It is nothing that should be wasted or treated carelessly. It is estimated that of the 7.47 billion people alive in the world today, 3.15 billion of them live in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is much precious seed that needs to be spread.
So what is this business about sowing seeds in tears? Well I happen to have a green thumb and have enjoyed planting many gardens in my life. But when I plant my garden, I don’t weep when I am out there putting the seeds in the ground. So how does this apply to me?
Knowing that the seed is the Word of God, this makes a lot more sense. When we support the Word of God through our tithes and offerings, sometimes it hurts. When we give money that we could use for something else that we really want. When it means that we might not be able to take that beach vacation this year, or get that really sweet car that we really want, it might sting a little.
But when I’m in my sweet brand new car and drive by those homeless people lying on the park bench in the middle of winter, it weighs on my heart. Not that I don’t feel like I deserve the car because I work hard for everything that I have, and I earned that car with blood, sweat, and tears. But those moments humble and remind me of how very blessed that I am, praise God. I am reminded each day that there are many others who don’t even have food on their table or shelter and a warm bed to sleep in each night.
So yeah, when I sow some seed and can’t get something now that I want, it may hurt a little. It may cause us to weep a little. But we are talking about lives changed, and souls saved. It is a burden that we must bear. It is seeds that we must sow sometimes in tears. For our reward is so much greater than the seed that we sow. And when the harvest comes, we will reap in joy. The Bible says that the seed that we sow today will result in an exponential return in our lives. In Mark 4:20 it says that our seed will bear fruit, and our return will be thirty, sixty, and hundredfold.” – (Mark 4:20)
But the Lord loves a cheerful giver. “Let each one give thoughtfully and with purpose just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – (2 Corinthian 9:7). So let us rejoice as we sow. And if we weep, let them be tears of joy knowing that the seed that we sow is according to God’s calling for us. And let us know that we are doing a good work that is making a difference in people’s lives. God, because God’s Word changes lives.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. We seek you first Lord. We know that your Word changes lives. We ask that your Word change us. Help us to support your Word Lord. Let us help support and fund your great work. Let us give with a cheerful heart. Let our tears be tears of joy. Help us to be wise in our decisions Lord. Help us to make smart choices with what you have entrusted us with. Give us wisdom and discernment Lord. Lead us to great decisions. Let us to your Word like Jesus did. We know that your Word is pure, is truth, is light. We thank you for all that you have done for us, and all that you continue to do. Guide our every step, our every thought, our every word. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Image courtesy of: Howard.
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