Normally, living things “strive” for... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8

Normally, living things “strive” for maturity. When we think of ripe fruit, we think of beauty, size, colour, aroma – in other words, a real treat. Ripe fruit is a sign of God’s goodness that we can taste and enjoy. But unfortunately, not all fruit becomes ripe or good. There are things that prevent ripeness: worms, slugs, mildew, fungus, poor soil, too much moisture and, on top of that, errors in genetic material, overbreeding or genetic defects.

Let us think of another growth process that God has set in motion in the same way. The very beginning of this process is connected with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible says, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24). So it’s about life out of death – like a seed that is planted in the ground and sprouts. The grain of wheat is Jesus Christ. He led a blameless life which pleased God greatly. But since the death and resurrection of Jesus, there are people of the same kind as this “grain of wheat” – they are believers in Him who have received eternal life. And this life is meant to unfold in them. This starts their personal growth process and their fruit for God. This includes: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

God gives growth in nature. Through it we reap produce that we gratefully eat and enjoy. Far greater than these gifts for the body is the eternal life for the soul that God offers us: “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life” (John 5:24). Such a life bears fruit for God, is for His benefit and is a blessing for us.

Today’s reading: Ezra 5:6-17 · Proverbs 6:1-11