which human effort is in vain. While we are to preach the word,
we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause
righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word
there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power.
Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to
renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress
upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in
themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is
the miracle-working power of God which gives efficiency to His own
word.
The work of the sower is a work of faith. The mystery of the
germination and growth of the seed he cannot understand. But he
has confidence in the agencies by which God causes vegetation to
flourish. In casting his seed into the ground, he is apparently throwing
away the precious grain that might furnish bread for his family. But
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he is only giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the
seed away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest. So
Christ’s servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the seed they
sow.
The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish,
worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward,
as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up,
and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know
not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to
settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. “In the
morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.”
Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth
remaineth, seed-time and harvest ... shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22.
In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not
less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His
assurance, “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth;
it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which
I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah
55:11. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Psalm 126:6.
The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual
life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian
growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without
growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and
imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian
life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if
God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement.
Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply,
our experience will enlarge, and
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our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear
responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges.
The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to
sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the
sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties