The Barley seed, a symbol of sustenance and survival, mirrors the execution of God's will. It is not just a seed; it is a vessel of life and potential that, when sown, brings forth much fruit. This process is a divine plan conceived by Christ since the world's foundation, paralleled in His obedient servants' lives.
Eliezer, Ruth, and Gideon are Barley seeds, each fulfilling God's will in their unique contexts. Their lives, submitted to God's guidance, are threads in His redemptive plan for humanity.
Eliezer, a servant of Abraham, represents the Barley seed's journey beyond death’s door. His mission to find Isaac a wife symbolises overcoming leadership and life challenges. Despite his master's broad objectives, Eliezer followed directives, overcoming personal reasoning and lawlessness. His faith in God led him to choose Rebecca, prioritising divine work over personal righteousness.
Ruth, an ancestor of King David, exemplifies exceptional deaconic giftedness despite not being born into the Jewish line. Her life changed when she left Moab to return to Bethlehem with Naomi after her husband's death. Her declaration of loyalty and faith, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16), was a commitment to God's will. Ruth worked tirelessly in Bethlehem's fields, her actions driven by purpose and obedience to divine will.
Gideon's story shows faith's power and individual action's impact. Despite doubts, Gideon's faith in God's promise led to victory against Midianites, restoring hope and faith among Israelites. It reminds us that with faith, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
Isaiah 28:28's concept that "grain for bread is crushed" applies to discipleship. This process is like the Church at Smyrna's experience. Despite persecution, the church's faith remained unwavering. This steadfastness is like grain being crushed to produce bread, transforming trials into spiritual sustenance. The fresh bread, symbolising new life in Christ, was shared among Smyrna's believers, highlighting discipleship's transformative power, where trials and faith provide spiritual nourishment for the community.