Have you ever looked at those cool seed germination diagrams? You know, the ones that show the little seed in the ground, and then in the next picture the radicle is coming out, and then the hypocotyl. Soon the cotyledons are splitting apart, and you get the epicotyl growing and . . . I’ve lost you.

In other words, the seed sends out a shoot that will go down into the ground and become the roots. The seed moves up, forming the stem; the round part of the seed splits open, and the leaves come out. It’s truly amazing to watch! To think that all the information to grow a tall, majestic redwood tree or a delicate, perfumed rosebush is contained within that tiny seed.

If you have done any gardening, you have probably been able to watch this process play out. The part above ground, at least. Unfortunately, for my impatient self, it takes time, lots of time. That, and a bit of love and attention: pulling weeds, removing pests, watering and fertilizing the soil. Nevertheless, the process can be so rewarding.

Seeds aren’t just for gardens, though. The Bible often uses seeds to represent things such as growth or potential and are metaphors for faith, God’s Word, and the kingdom of heaven. Jesus shared stories about seeds many times, including the Parable of the Mustard Seed.

“He presented another parable to them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches’” (Matthew 13:31-32).

The kingdom of heaven, represented by a tiny seed? Yes. A mustard seed planted within each of us, sending its roots down deep into our hearts, securing its hold. Watered with the Word of Life, it soon appears above the surface, growing into a beautiful tree, drawing others to our fruits.

Every day, we plant seeds in others by what we say and the way we act. These seeds, though they are small, put down roots and begin to grow. Some people become missionaries and go to unreached fields to sow their seeds. They spend their days interacting with the locals and preparing the soil for planting. These seeds don’t grow overnight. Like all seeds, they need time, love and attention. But when they do grow, they become beautiful trees, producing seeds of their own and continually growing God’s heavenly kingdom.

Unfortunately, there are still many fields that lie empty and unreached, waiting for someone to go and plant. Will you be a sower? Will you allow God to take you to fields unknown? If so, please contact us today at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.

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