A farmer prepares the ground, and then he plants the seed. He plants different kinds of seeds different ways. He scatters dill seeds, he throws cumin seeds on the ground, and he plants wheat in rows. A farmer plants barley in its special place, and he plants spelt seeds at the edge of his field.
Isaiah 28:25 ERV
God is the source of all gifts and talents. He gives different kinds of gifts to different people according to His will and purpose. In Isaiah 28:25, the analogy of a farmer preparing the ground and planting various seeds offers profound insights into God’s distribution of gifts among His people. We can draw a parallel between the farmer’s meticulous process and God’s deliberate bestowal of diverse gifts upon individuals. For example, in Exodus 31, God granted Bezalel and Oholiab distinct talents and skills for specific purposes.
In the same way, we see God, like a wise farmer. He prepares each individual (the land) with a specific purpose in mind—to plant His unique seed. God prepares us like a field before He plants His gifts in us. He works on our hearts and minds, removing the weeds and stones. Likewise, He ensures the soil is fertile and ready to receive His seeds. He does not waste any life in His hand, but He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us.
Another lesson we can learn from this verse is that God plants different kinds of gifts in different ways. He knows what kind of gift is best suited for each person, and He distributes them accordingly. He also knows how to plant them in the most effective way, whether by scattering, throwing, or planting in rows. God does not give the same gift to everyone, nor does He give the same amount or method of planting. He is the sovereign and wise giver of all gifts.
Furthermore, we see that God has one expectation for all the gifts He has planted in us: fruitfulness. He expects us to grow and bear fruit with the gifts He has given us. The size of a plant does not please the farmer as much as the fruits from it. Also, God does not compare us with others, nor does He judge us by the quantity or quality of our gifts. He only looks at how faithful and obedient we are in using our gifts for His glory and the benefit of others.
In the case Bezalel and Oholiab, God chose them and gave them the gift of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and skills for different kinds of works. They were to use their skills in building the holy place for God. The verse says:
So Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the other skilled men must do the work the Lord has commanded. The Lord has given these men the wisdom and understanding to do all the skilled work needed to build this holy place.
Exodus 36:1 ERV
The construction of the tabernacle would not have been considered completed without the input of these men. God’s expectation was “fruitfulness” of the articles needed in the tabernacle from the “seed” He had planted in them.
This is God’s expectation for every gift He has given us. He wants us to do the work He has commanded us, using the wisdom and understanding He has given us. We should not complain or compare ourselves with others. Instead, we should be grateful and diligent in putting our gifts to work, according to God’s will.
In conclusion, God is the giver of all gifts, and He gives different kinds of gifts to different people in different ways. He prepares us like a field, plants His gifts in us, and expects us to be fruitful with them. We should use our gifts to glorify God and bless others, following His instruction and guidance. This is the best way to honour God and fulfil our purpose in life.
