Seeds, Darkness, & New Life
October 30, 2023
John 12:23-36 | Psalm 126
The seed-in-the-ground image Jesus gives is underplayed. It’s true of so much in life. Jesus is of course alluding to his forth-coming death and resurrection. But the image has many implications.
It was Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said something similar about seeds. A seed - which by itself is dead - has the best opportunity to grow when thrust into the darkness of the ground. It can be a slow process for some. But when given the right elements, something begins in the darkness and it finds its way back to the surface, reaching for the light and a new life of fruitfulness.
There’s a mystery about it, regardless of all that science can tell us - and science can tell us a lot! But all the things working together in that seed, water, nutrients, etc. is pretty amazing.
It’s a divine work.
Like resurrection.
John 12:23-36
Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Human One to be glorified. I assure you that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their lives will lose them, and those who hate their lives in this world will keep them forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Wherever I am, there my servant will also be. My Father will honor whoever serves me.
“Now I am deeply troubled. What should I say? ‘Father, save me from this time’? No, for this is the reason I have come to this time. Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
The crowd standing there heard and said, “It’s thunder.” Others said, “An angel spoke to him.”
Jesus replied, “This voice wasn’t for my benefit but for yours. Now is the time for judgment of this world. Now this world’s ruler will be thrown out. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.” (He said this to show how he was going to die.)
The crowd responded, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Human One must be lifted up? Who is this Human One?”
Jesus replied, “The light is with you for only a little while. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness don’t know where they are going. As long as you have the light, believe in the light so that you might become people whose lives are determined by the light.” After Jesus said these things, he went away and hid from them.
Psalm 126
When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better,
it was like we had been dreaming.
Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;
our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.
It was even said, at that time, among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Yes, the Lord has done great things for us,
and we are overjoyed.
Lord, change our circumstances for the better,
like dry streams in the desert waste!
Let those who plant with tears
reap the harvest with joyful shouts.
Let those who go out,
crying and carrying their seed,
come home with joyful shouts,
carrying bales of grain!
Prayer
God,
We can be an impatient people. Demanding, even.
Teach me the pace of your Kingdom. Actually, maybe it’s not about getting the right pace at all? Should I just forget pace and instead focus on a faith that thinks not of it?
Either way, help me to always be ready but not anxious, always hopeful but not ignorant, always sure but not arrogant.
As I begin this week, keep my eyes focused on Jesus and my heart focused on people.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.