Did you know that with a bit of direction an entire planet’s rice production could be created from one seed? A single fertile seed can yield a new plant. Each plant would put out several stalks with a seed head, each with about 300 grains of rice (seed) per head. So, each seed would yield approximately 1,000 new seeds. Those seeds could then be replanted to generate 1,000 rice plants each producing their own 1,000 seeds…

Paul has a few things he wants us to know about seed and God. In 2 Corinthians 9:10 he says this,

“This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer, which becomes bread for our meals, is even more extravagant toward you. First he supplies every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as you sow it, so that the harvest of your generosity will grow.”

1. God is generous and extravagant towards us
2. God will supply the ‘seed’ we need – and He’ll supply it abundantly, “plus more”
3. God promises to multiply the seed as you sow it
4. When you are generous with what God has given you, there will be a harvest
5. That harvest will glorify God

What seed has God given you? Time, finances, empathy, humour, intellect, health, talents, skills…? God has given you seed that when sown for His purposes, His kingdom, His glory, can reap a harvest. Whatever we have to give has first been given to us by our generous God. When we in turn open our hands and are generous with what has been given to us, verse 11 tells us, that the end result will be ”thanksgiving to God”.  

You might think all you have to offer is one measly grain of rice… and what even is rice useful for anyway? Not only can rice be eaten, it can sharpen blades, dry out wet mobiles, create hand warmers… it is used to keep tools rust free, in beauty products, production of oils, flours… broken rice is used in brewing, distilling, and in other manufacturing processes… hulls are used for fuel, packing material, fertilizer manufacture… the list goes on. Don’t be looking at yourself and thinking there’s no point offering what you’ve got. Your one seed can have a mighty impact when given with a joy-filled and generous heart.

Where could you sow for Jesus this week?