Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters

by Walter C. Lanyon

In most people's thought the word "cast" means to fling away---to let go of with the thought of no return, but in the parable under consideration, the word has quite a different meaning. In the first place, the expression came into use by reason of the rice planter. He was casting his bread upon the water---and it always returned in many days, increased.

This is a much more fruitful interpretation to consider than merely throwing a crust of bread upon the waters to be washed into the port of some needy one. It carries with it the idea of progress. When we give, we plant. When we cast the word of Truth from us---we literally plant the seed of Truth and in many days we again see the "bread" increased, returning to us.

This is particularly true of work done for others. It springs into full fruitage and we again are refreshed by a return of the word. For we only keep that which we give. The thing which is unused falls apart or rusts. Of nothing is this more true than the unused talent which we hold in the innermost part of our being. If we conceal it from others and withhold it, in times of great trouble when we seek it we find that it has vanished. The seed of anything cannot be kept indefinitely---if it is not planted or cast upon the waters sooner or later the life (spirit or inspiration) of it dies, and we have nothing but the material form (the letter). Now the letter without the spirit is dead, and so is the seed without the life germ.

Confidently does the planter scatter his rice upon the waters---it disappears immediately from sight. Does he become fearful that it will all be consumed by fishes and insects? Does he immediately after planting go for a net and try to regain that which he has cast away? No. As he plants he also knows that the increase is already his, and this increase comes by reason of his ability to let go of the seed. Do you know that you cannot cast a word of truth from you that is not productive of good results, though it may not be immediately visible to you? Do not be afraid to speak the Truth whenever you see the water is waiting for the seed. It will return unto you with the increase in many days.