Reap

As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10–11

Sowing the seeds of the Kingdom have always been wonderful in concept. We let go of our illusions of control. We simply toss the truth outward and let God give the increase. "Those who have ears, let them hear."

But, consider that the farmer doesn't simply sow arbitrarily. The farmer sows for gain, for food, for profit. This is his vocation. He prepares the land. He calculates the soil's fertility. He gives careful analysis to all the cares of seeding the land long before he commences the act of sowing.

Why?

To ensure, to the best of his ability, a fine crop. A crop that will provide for his family. A crop that will allow nourishment and sustenance. A crop that will assist the next generation of growth.

We, the farmers, are to sow the kingdom of heaven in full reliance on God and his nurturing growth. However, at the same time, we are to turn over the land. We are to cultivate the soil.

And we are to expect the bounty.

Our development of relationships will reciprocate. We will be nourished by the fruit of the harvest. Both in the consuming of the produce as well as the joy of the knowledge of future crops. We do reap what we sow.

There will be seed for the sower and bread for the eater.

Fruit has a purpose - to nourish.