The Good Seed and the Chaff
Gardening is one of my greatest joys. There’s something miraculous about planting a tiny seed, watching it push through the soil, and witnessing its growth. I talk to my plants, sing to them, and pray over them. There’s no denying it—I love gardening. But the best part? The harvest! There’s nothing like the taste of a sun-warmed tomato or the satisfaction of reaping more than you sowed. The reward is worth every bit of labor and nurturing.
Biblical Lessons in Harvesting
Isaiah 28:24-29 paints a vivid picture of the agricultural process in biblical times. A farmer doesn’t plow endlessly—he prepares the soil, plants the seed, and reaps the harvest. Then comes the critical step: threshing and winnowing, separating the good seed from the chaff. This wasn’t a small job in ancient times. Farmers used a threshing floor, where oxen would trample the grain to loosen the husks. Then, they tossed it into the air with a winnowing fork. The wind carried away the useless chaff while the heavy, valuable grain fell to the ground. It was an age-old method of distinguishing what was valuable from what was not.
Not Every Seed Germinates
The winnowing process did more than remove the chaff; it also separated non-viable seeds. These seeds lacked the substance to grow into healthy plants. They were light and useless, blowing away with the husks. That small detail carries profound spiritual significance. John the Baptist used this imagery in Matthew 3:11-12 when he described Yeshua separating the wheat from the chaff, gathering the good grain and burning the rest. Some seeds hold life, while others are empty shells. The same is true of people.
Planting the Word
When we share the gospel, we scatter seeds. But the enemy is always nearby, whispering discouragement. He’ll say your words don’t matter, that no one is listening. Don’t believe him. YHVH alone knows where His seeds will land. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Every word of the Most High is a viable seed. Every single one will accomplish what He intends.
Examine the Seeds You Plant
What kind of seeds are you sowing? Are they viable or lifeless? Will the Father gather them into His storehouse, or will they be swept away and burned? Scripture urges us to examine ourselves (2 Peter 1:5-11). Growth in faith requires effort—virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness, and love. Without these, we are barren. With them, we are fruitful.
The Call to Action
Take time to evaluate your spiritual garden. Are you growing and producing a harvest, or are you stuck in the soil, never maturing? It’s time to move forward. Prepare the ground, plant the seeds, and trust the Most High with the harvest. Don’t let fear or discouragement stop you from spreading His Word. Your labor is never in vain.
Speaking of Grains
If you’re serious about making your own bread, I highly recommend a quality grain mill and bread machine. A Mockmill grain mill or if you have a Kitchen Aid Mixer, then the Kitchen Aid Grain Mill Attachment might by the way to go. The Zojirushi bread machine will take your home baking to the next level. Check them out on Amazon and enjoy the benefits of fresh-milled flour.
Want more inspiration? Be sure to check out my other articles and recipes!
Grains in Bulk: Healthier, Cheaper, and Sustainable(Opens in a new browser tab)
Bug-Free Grains: How to Keep Your Bulk Grains Safe and Sound(Opens in a new browser tab)
It Matters Where You Are Planted!(Opens in a new browser tab)
Sorghum & Bean Salad(Opens in a new browser tab)
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