From Seed to Fruit: The Growth Process – The Water
Another vital ingredient in the development of the seed is water. In the natural, water is the most abundant and useful substance on the earth. Water covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface and exists as vapor in the earth’s atmosphere. Water is essential to life and has vast influence on weather and climate. It seems to be necessary in almost all chemical reactions. As rain and ice, water wears down hills and mountains; causes erosion; and helps convert rocks into soil. Water furnishes hydroelectric and steam power, and creates important forms of transportation. We drink water. We use it in cooking, washing, heating, cooling, putting out fires and treating diseases. All living beings are composed chiefly of water. A newborn baby is made up of 77% water, while an adult is approximately 60% water.
Water carries food to body cells and carries waste away from them. It also assists the body in maintaining a consistent temperature. When the body loses 10-20% of its water, death usually occurs. More things will dissolve in water than in any other known substance – it is the universal solvent.
The “water cycle” is the constant, endless circulation of the earth’s water, powered by the heat of the sun and the earth’s gravity. It is vitally important to life and climate. Without this “water cycle,” parts of the land would be swamps and the remainder would be deserts. Lakes and oceans would stagnate, and the earth would be uninhabitable.
Without rain, there could be no life on land. Rain waters the earth, enabling plants to grow in the soil. It helps to fertilize the soil by washing nitrogen compounds, and other chemicals, out of the air. Rain replenishes ground water, the underground reservoir that supplies springs, streams, and wells. Winds have a great influence on the distribution of rain. In passing over mountain ranges, winds are chilled and drop their moisture; so then, the far side of the range may receive no precipitation at all. You cannot get rain from a cloudless sky.
Now, comparing the spiritual meaning of water, Zechariah 14:17 (Amplified) says, “And it shall be that whoso of the families of the earth shall not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, upon them shall be no rain.” We see then, that worship brings rain. In the New Testament, “rain” and “water” are symbolic of the Holy Spirit; therefore, when we truly enter into praise and worship to God, the Holy Spirit is free to “rain” down upon us. This same “water” is explained by Jesus I John 14:13-14 (The Message). In this passage of scripture, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink from the well; he then offers her “Living Water.” “Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst – not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
Jesus was describing the Holy Spirit inside of us. Water is also symbolic of the Word of God. It nourishes, strengthens, and causes growth to young Christians. Isaiah 55:10-11 (The Message) says, “Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.”
Now, what about those mountains that I mentioned earlier, that cause uneven distribution of rain? Do you have any mountains in your life? Did you know that it is our responsibility (and we have been given the ability) to remove those mountains that are hindering the Holy Spirit from washing over us and refreshing our lives?! Acts 3:19 (The Message) says, “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessings to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.”
Isn’t that good?! We CHOOSE rain!