I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields? They are ripe for harvest.
Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life.
JOHN 4:35-36
When we think of Harvest, a frequent image is one of a cornucopia spilling over with the bounty from our garden. God is generous, in that with very little effort we can raise a goodly amount of food. Some of the easiest crops are tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, green beans, beets, carrots, radishes, lettuces, chard and kale. I try to grow things I really use and that do well with my soil and sun exposure. My lot is small, so corn is out, but it’s amazing how productive a small area can be. Some of the most wonderful aspects of having a kitchen garden are the feeling of satisfaction, the lack of chemicals, more intense flavors, the convenience, and of course, the economical benefits.
Recently, my stepdaughter, Melanie and I went to the Heirloom Garden Show at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Sponsors of the event have been amazed at the statewide interest and unexpectedly large attendance. One of the highlights was a giant, twenty-foot tower of squashes and gourds that shouted harvest. The variety was overwhelming; multiple colors, textures, sizes and, sometimes comical, shapes caused one’s senses to go “tilt”.
Farmers’ markets are now abounding with apples and pears. One can conjure up the scent of homemade pear butter and apple pie. The planning for Thanksgiving has begun.
The concept of harvest is fraught (don’t you love that word?) with Biblical imagery. As believers, planting and harvest go on continuously; we keep sowing the seed for the Kingdom, even as the watering and feeding are in progress. God is harvesting the souls who have been won for Eternity.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6 we read, “Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
As long as we are here on earth, there is time to win souls for Our Lord. Our church has regular opportunities for street ministry. I had the privilege of going to our downtown area during a book fair. Only person I contacted responded to the message, but that soul is all-important to God.
There are many other ways to “sow”. Keep on praying for your loved ones, demonstrate your faith through action. There are food banks and clothing distribution programs. You can open your home for fellowship and Bible study. Bring your tithes and gifts into the storehouse.
Are we sowing sparingly or generously? Think about the joy of seeing those we have influenced alongside Our Savior in heaven! Imagine how it will be to hear God Himself say to you, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
As you sow the seeds of salvation, remember to listen to those who God puts in your path. Don’t be timid about asking the important questions that may start an exchange followed by a relationship. So many of us, especially those of us who are students of prophecy, believe that the Lord’s rescue of His own is near. We are looking up anticipating that trumpet sound; let the Lord find us on the job, trying to bring as many souls with us as possible. That will be the ultimate harvest at the end of the Church Age. There will many more saved during the Great Tribulation, but what a price they will pay.
Do you have a heart for those who are perishing? There’s an old hymn called, “Throw Out the Lifeline”. We know that truth that sets us free. Don’t be caught with your lifeline coiled up at your feet. Extend yourself to those around you. The harvest is in progress. Join in!
Want more inspiration from Marianne Farrier? Check out A Garden With A Plan
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