Some years ago a lotus seed was germinated after lying dormant for several thousand years in a peat bog. Human beings don't live that long--at least not here. But they do have a remarkable power to respond to seeds of spiritual life sown years before.

Isaiah states far better than I the power of the Word to spring to life after long periods: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).