In a quick conversation with Ralph, I learned a little more about what is demanded of a farmer! A few months ago, he prepped his fields and planted corn and beans with full expectation of a harvest. When I asked if he were ‘finished’ for now, he described the ongoing work of eliminating weeds and applying the chemicals necessary to control fungi that would harm the crop. Yes, Ralph must put in the work but ultimately, he cannot control the sunshine and rain that are critical to a good harvest this Fall. In faith, he plants and by faith he expects.
It is just common sense to know that if he puts bean seeds in that northern 40 acres of the farm, he will not be picking corn in that field. He will harvest what he planted.
The thought renewed itself in me this morning as I asked myself – “What kind of outcomes are you expecting in life, Jerry? What seeds have you planted?”
God spoke through the preacher – “I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ (Hosea 10)
The Scripture speaks to the idea of seed and harvest often.
There are some key principles that we learn in that wisdom about God’s ways.
1.
We Reap only if we Plant
2.
We Reap of what we Plant
3.
We will Reap in a Different Season Than We Planted
4.
We will Reap More Than We Plant
5.
We Reap in Proportion to the amount of that We Plant
Paul summarizes these in a Word often used only in reference to financial contributions,
but which has a much wider application to life – “Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap
generously.” (2 Corinthians 9)
The expectation of that harvest of God’s blessings and life is assured just as the growth of a field will happen because of those processes of germination and growth. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens." (Mark 4:26-28, NLT)
Today let’s reflect on two key questions.
First, are we inviting the Holy Spirit of God to work deeply in our life implanting
the seed of the Gospel of Christ Jesus that grows to eternal life?
We cannot save ourselves from sin, nor can we work our way into God’s grace by any amount of ‘niceness,’ morality, religiosity, or civility.
In a shift the metaphor, Peter teaches us that "You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23, NIV) God, through His Word and, by His Spirit, implants the seed of life in us and a transformational process starts! This is the 'seed principle.'
Without this mysterious, wonderful, and faith-based impartation of divine life, we may become religious, but we will not become truly Christian.
Second, by daily disciplines of the Spirit (things such as prayer, silence, obedience, service, and meditation on God’s Word) cultivating the soil of our heart and mind so that the harvest will be plentiful?
Ralph reminded me that his work was far from over when the planting was finished! There is cultivation to be done. So, in us! The Spirit grants us life that we accept by faith, and the Lord waters the seed so that it grows, but the work of cultivation is given to each of us.
The word from the Word urges us to be engaged in faith. Ponder this truth today as you begin this new week, aiming to live for the glory of God. “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:11)
____________
Lord of the harvest, grant that the seeds of love, worship, care, service,
generosity, and such things will grow a great harvest in me that feeds the
world in which I live and shows the goodness of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name.
Amen
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