The gospel hidden a grain

John 12:24"Most 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."

For the last decade I have baked bread with einkorn, one of the oldest cultivated grains in history. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as people search for healthier alternatives to modern wheat.

The Lord often speaks through His creation. His gospel, His teachings, and His voice are woven into everything He has made. Creation continually points us back to its Creator.

Einkorn grain shouts a wonderful story. A story that is central to the gospel.

In our church gatherings we prepare the unleavened communion bread with einkorn. Each time we come to the Lord's Table, the symbolism preaches Christ to us.

Interestingly, the word einkorn means "one grain" or "one kernel." It is one of humanity's oldest cultivated grains and may even have been among the grains known in the days of Jesus. The picture is striking. Jesus, The One, fell into the ground and died so that He would not remain alone, but would bring many sons and daughters into the family of God.

The Father has always desired a family conformed to the image of His Son. Jesus did not want to remain alone. He died to bring us into fellowship with Himself and to make us participants in His Kingdom. He wanted more sons and daughters.

Einkorn contains 14 chromosomes, while modern bread wheat contains 42. Over the last few decades, wheat has been selectively bred to increase yield and meet the demands of production.

In biblical numerics, the number fourteen is associated with deliverance or salvation. Whether by design or simply as another reminder in creation, I cannot help but think of Christ each time I prepare the communion bread. Even the bread we share reminds us of His immeasurable sacrifice.

Jesus taught that life comes through death. That truth runs against everything in our natural thinking, which is why surrender is often so difficult. Yet when we release what we have been clinging to, new life begins to emerge. This reflects the meaning of 14, deliverance and salvation.

Today’s wheat, used in most of the bread we eat (here in the U.S.), was cultivated to produce more heads of grain; in the process, it developed a protein that can irritate the digestive system, which is one reason so many people struggle with gluten intolerance.

It made me wonder, have we sometimes done something similar with the gospel? Have we modified it to fit the interests of man instead of the heart of God? Jesus warned Peter about setting his mind on "the things of men" rather than "the things of God" (Matthew 16:23).

Perhaps you are standing at a crossroads. Is the Holy Spirit placing His finger on something you have been reluctant to surrender? Does obedience seem lonely? Does dying to yourself feel costly?

Look to the einkorn grain.

The Lord is telling you there is a healthier way to live and to live long. Not isolated and unfruitful, but joined to an abundant harvest.

Come to the Lord's Table. Listen to His voice.

There you will find the grace to embrace the cross, and the life that only He can give.