The Fruitful Grain of Wheat

John 12:24-25
24Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into
the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces
much grain.
25He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in
this world will keep it for eternal life.

Not only is this day the “accepted time,” and the “day of salvation”
as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:2, but it is also what I call the
day of opportunity. Our opportunity to make a difference in this
world is now – not later. We can spend time building our own
kingdom and heap up riches that we can not take with us, or we
can take advantage of the opportunity we have now (not later) to
build the Kingdom of God.

Yes, we all know that God wants us to prosper, but not to heap it
up on our own fleshly desires for a personal kingdom on earth (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The purpose of our
prosperity is to establish “His” Kingdom on the earth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

The opportunity we have now that will soon cease, is to become the “Fruitful Grain of Wheat.” The
problem with this, is that in order for it to bear fruit, it must die to self. Notice how if it does not die it
remains alone. That’s what “self” is – alone. However if we die to self we become a part of
something greater. The word used in verse 25 is “much.”

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be alone, I want to be a part of “much.” The teachable
moment here is that if we will sacrifice ourselves (die) and determine to live our lives (or give our
lives), that others might be saved, healed, and delivered; we will be the Fruitful Grain of Wheat.

What personal sacrifice will you make to establish God’s Kingdom on the earth? Are you so busy
with your personal life that you are not giving any time to Him? Have you helped anyone lately? Have
you spent time in prayer for someone who needs a miracle? Are you involved in your local church as
a volunteer? Are you a tither? Have you shared the Gospel with anyone lately? Have you supported
missions to another country? Have you given alms to help the poor? What sacrifice has God spoken
to you about that you need to obey?

Trust me, there is no sacrifice that God will not see and bless in return. He says in Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in
that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

You can not out-give God. Don’t let this life pass without becoming a “Fruitful Grain of Wheat.” No
one said it would be easy, but there is no denial that it will be worth every effort. It’s simply the
greatest investment you can make for a bright and happy future. As a matter of fact verse 25 says it
will be an “eternal” future.

Jesus said he did not come to be served, but rather to serve (Mark 10:45), and to give His life as a
ransom for many. Someone once told me that another word for ministry was “work.” How true that is!
Even the scripture says “God will not forget your WORK and LABOR of love that you MINISTER to
the saints. Ministry is work and labor!

The only way Paul could say “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31) is to see by faith his eternal future.
Paul was a true “fruitful grain of wheat.” Look at the fruit his life produced!
In John Maxwell’s Leadership Bible he quotes; “Only when we give up our self-life and die can we
really live. The greatest leaders willingly give up their lives for others.”

The very next verse (John 12:26) proves that the Fruitful Grain of Wheat is servanthood… “If anyone
serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him
My Father will honor.

Just another “grain of wheat,”

Your Pastor, Jim



Pastor Jim Langlois/ The Master's House, PO Box 1568
Mechanicsville,  VA   23116..Phone 804-789-9291..Cell: 804-357-8381
E-mail: pastorjim@mastershouse.net