Jesus was known for teaching his followers using these stories called parables, and every time he will explain what the parable means. In Luke 8, he shares a parable about a sower who went to sow seeds which fell on different grounds and either was eaten by birds, choked by weeds, had little soil for its roots and died or grew well and bore fruit. As he explains this parable, Jesus stated “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). This is an interesting statement. What characteristic of a seed compares to the word of God?
Biology teaches that a seed is made up of 3 main parts – an outer cover, a layer of nutrients and an inner embryo. When one looks at the outer cover of any seed, it is lifeless but embedded within is an embryo which is a source of life, it is the part that grows out into a new plant. The life within the seed makes it a treasure to the farmer. The farmer knows that all he needs to do is plant this seed and life will germinate and fruits will be produced. With this understanding, suddenly what looks lifeless to the ordinary person becomes a worthy treasure. So is the word of God. Like a seed, the written scripture (outer covering) may look lifeless but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that it is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). In Luke 6:63, Jesus tells us that these words are spirit and life. The Greek word for life used here is the word “zoe” describing the eternal life of God. Oh, what greater treasure can there be than this?!
The thing about treasures is that they are often hidden and require assistance to find. It is the same with the word of God. The treasure buried within the text of scripture – the life of God within, is spiritually discerned by the help of the Holy Spirit.
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corin. 2:14).
We must approach the word of God seeking understanding from him and not from our natural man or we will miss out on the life buried within. Like the Psalmist said, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from your law” (Ps. 119:18).
When you understand that the bible on your shelf, phone or tablet is a seed containing the very life of God then you will treasure it like the farmer does his seed and your attitude towards it will change completely. And if you are wondering what you can get out of this treasure, the answer is everything! Everything we need to complete, perfect and equip us in life is buried in word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Here are four things we must aspire to do with this great treasure:
- Rejoice at the sight of it – “I rejoice at your word as one who finds great treasure.” (Ps. 119:162)
- Revere it – “…But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Is. 66:2b)
- Love it – “Your word is very pure; Therefore your servant loves it” (Ps. 119:140)
- Give it our undivided attention – My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.” (Prov. 4:20)
Finally, for a seed to bring forth life, the farmer must sow it and carefully tend it. Likewise, we must sow the word of God in our hearts and guard it with all diligence. If all you’ve got is time to read a single verse a day, we encourage you to give it all your attention and meditate on it to sow it in your heart and then allow it to remain until it brings forth life and bears fruits.