"The parable of the seed reveals that God is at work in nature. The seed has in itself a germinating principle, a principle that God Himself has implanted; yet if left to itself the seed would have no power to spring up. Man has his part to act in promoting the growth of the grain. He must prepare and enrich the soil and cast in the seed. He must till the fields. But there is a point beyond which he can accomplish nothing. No strength or wisdom of man can bring forth from the seed the living plant. Let man put forth his efforts to the utmost limit, he must still depend upon One who has connected the sowing and the reaping by wonderful links of His own omnipotent power. COL 63.1"
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Both passages emphasize the roles of both human effort and divine power in producing growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6 highlights that while humans plant and water, God ultimately gives the increase. The EGW passage similarly acknowledges human effort in preparing the soil and sowing the seed, but stresses that God's power is essential for the seed to sprout and grow.
"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:"
Both passages illustrate God's role in providing for growth and sustenance through natural processes. Isaiah 55:10 uses the analogy of rain and snow to show how God's word accomplishes its purpose. The EGW passage uses the seed analogy to show how God's power is essential for growth, even though humans play a role.
"There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless an infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no returns. The showers of rain must be sent to give moisture to the thirsty fields, the sun must impart heat, electricity must be conveyed to the buried seed. The life which the Creator has implanted, He alone can call forth. Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God. COL 63.2"
"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
Both passages emphasize that God is the one who ultimately causes growth. The EGW passage elaborates on the various natural elements God uses, while 1 Corinthians 3:7 directly states that it is God who gives the increase. The EGW passage amplifies the principle stated in 1 Corinthians.
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Both passages highlight God's role in providing for the earth and its inhabitants through natural elements. The EGW passage specifically mentions rain and sun, while Matthew 5:45 speaks of God making the sun rise and sending rain. The connection lies in the shared theme of God's provision through natural phenomena.
"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;"
Both passages acknowledge God's role in providing food and sustenance through the earth. The EGW passage describes the process of seed growth and the necessity of God's power, while Psalm 104:14 states that God causes grass to grow for cattle and herbs for human use. The connection is the shared theme of God's provision of food through the earth's resources.
“As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.” Isaiah 61:11 . As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. There is a point beyond which human effort is in vain. While we are to preach the word, we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power. Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is the miracle-working power of God which gives eff…
"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:11 in this passage.