The Seedling

“Mommy!” Little Jake called excitedly, his face beaming with Pride.
“My seedling has grown. Come and see! ”
“Well, dear me!” Exclaims his mother, wiping her hands on her apron. “That’s a healthy little plant you have got there, son.”
“Do you think it is ready to be planted in the garden?
“I believe so.”
Little Jake had nurtured his seedling in a tiny pot on his window sill, checking every day, to see when it would sprout above the soil. The little boy took the pot out into the garden, a proud expression on his face.
Locating a warm moist spot, he dug out the seedling and placed it gently into a hole in the soil. He then drew the soil closely around the root to support the slender plant. Hands in pockets, Jake stood back admiring his handiwork.
Each day, he watered and weeded around it and checked to make sure birds did not peck at it. Over the years Jake’s seedling grew into a massive tree, spreading sturdy branches high and wide, and foliage thick and green.
 Squirrels fed off the nuts of this tree; acorns, because, Jakke had planted an oak tree. Birds nestled in its branches and enjoyed protection from the elements and other prey. Travelers rested in its shade awhile, and children played hide and seek around the huge trunk. Dogs had other ideas, of course. Let’s just say, they watered the trunk.
One day, Jake, who had now grown into a tall strapping youth, sat reading under his tree. After a while, his eyes grew weary so he closed them for awhile enjoying the gentle breeze and the sounds of birds chirping above.
 “It is so peaceful under this tree.” He thought to himself.


Let us, now look at this story from another point of view or as revealed in the scriptures.
The seedling symbolizes the Word of God which He plants into the heart of a believer so that he may nurture it until it germinates. God does not expect him to keep it to himself, but to share it with others. The Word, like the branches of the oak tree, should reach out to others, so that they, too, might receive the Word and be blessed.


Today, many receive the Word of God but do not share it with others. The Word is God’s instructions to mankind, so it must reach many people. It is incumbent upon every believer to spread the Word. This is God’s commandment, “Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15). Again He said, “Be fruitful and multiply.”(Genesis 1:28).
 To neglect to do so is to disobey God. Imagine the great multitudes that this Word would touch, if each person, who receives it, shares the message with one other person, and they in turn, with another. It would create a dominoes effect. Let each of us, assume the responsibility, as little Jake did, to treasure the Word of God, nurture it, and plant it into the hearts of others, to be multiplied and reach the ends of the earth.