A list of all the seeds planted for food would definitely be very long, for that is the way most plants begin. The Bible speaks of wheat in many places as a type of an outstandingly good seed.
Since wheat is the world’s most important grain crop, millions of acres are grown throughout the world. Much is produced in Canada and the United States, especially in the big open areas of the Midwestern and western provinces and states. It is quite a sight to look at vast acres of ripening wheat standing golden colored, two to five feet tall, gently swaying in a light breeze. There are two kinds of plantings—winter wheat is planted in the fall where winters are not too severe; the other is spring wheat, which is planted in spring.
Good quality seed is most important, and it must be planted in rich soil, well prepared. This is done usually by huge pieces of planting machinery followed by cultivating and then harvesting equipment.
Wheat kernels are so small it would take about 15,000 to equal just one pound. Have you ever looked closely at one of these tiny kernels? The hard outer covering is called bran, and the tiniest part at the bottom is the germ. This is the part that starts a new plant when the kernel is planted into soil. The entire inner part is given the name endosperm. For whole wheat flour, all parts of the kernel are ground up together and then used for making whole wheat bread, as well as many breakfast cereals. Refined wheat, with the bran left out, is used for making white bread or cake.
Of course, farmers don’t normally sell their wheat directly to bakeries or grocery stores. It is usually taken to big cement buildings called grain elevators. These are often placed alongside railroad tracks for wheat storage, and then the wheat is delivered to mills in smaller amounts from there.
A Bible verse tells us, “Except a corn [kernel] of wheat fall into the ground and die [is planted], it abideth alone; but if it die [is planted], it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)). The death of the Lord Jesus on the cross is the most wonderful example of this. Through His death, many, many millions of sinners (much fruit) have been cleansed from their sins and given everlasting life. Heaven will be filled with the great number of people who know Him as their Saviour, and we hope every one of you will be included in that happy company.
Many try to make their way to heaven by good deeds, but that would be like mixing seed, as the beginning verse warns. There is only one way to that wonderful, happy place, and that is to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).
ML-11/14/2010