This post is one of the entries from Jody’s upcoming book, “Come Follow Me,” a year-long devotional based on her popular video podcast of the same name, to be released in the fall of 2016 by Two Worlds Press.
“And the one on whom seed was shown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty.” ~ Matthew 13:23
The DNA of creation is to be fruitful and multiply. Built into the design of every plant is the ability to both flower and bear fruit. Carried within each seed is the complete replication of itself. Creator God built into the design of all life the ability to reproduce in its own likeness.
“And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth…” (Genesis 1:27-28)
This command was given two times in the Old Testament. First, in the creation story, when God entrusted the stewardship of His creation to Adam and Eve. Then, God gave it a second time, following the flood, when “God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” (Genesis 9:1)
‘Be fruitful and multiply’ shows up in the New Testament as well. In the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Minas ( Matthew 25:14-30,Luke 19:11-27), the Lord indicates that faithfulness in stewardship reaps an obedient harvest. In the Parable of the Soils, we are shown the obstacles to fruitfulness and the way to multiplication. Then, the final words in the Gospel of Matthew: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Question: What talents has the Lord entrusted to you to ‘do business’ with until His return?