Fall’s here! Cable-knit sweaters have emerged from the backs of closets to ward off the chill of crisp morning air. Pumpkin flavors dominate coffee shop fare. Reds, yellows, and oranges imbue flora in a beautiful autumn tapestry. Kids wind their way through the labyrinthine passages of corn mazes. Families flock to apple farms to pick bushels of Pink Ladies and Granny Smiths. ‘Tis the season of harvest!
God reaps His own harvest and we get to participate in the process. Like a farmer who carefully sows his seeds into tilled soil, God calls us to plant the seeds of the Gospel into people’s hearts. Romans 10:14-15 says, “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Our job is simply the one of sowing. Only God can affect how the seed is received, whether it falls onto rocky terrain to its death or onto the fertile ground where it produces fruit (Mark 4:3-9; 14-20). The Holy Spirit cultivates the seed of the Gospel and brings it to fruition: saving faith in Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sometimes we get to see God bring our labor to fruition – and what a blessing it is! Psalm 126:5-6 says, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Other times, we may never know if God touched a person’s heart. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
Our calling is to faithfully and prayerfully obey God through every season of harvest. Let’s go out into the world to sow the seeds of His Gospel, perhaps with a pumpkin spice latte in hand!
“Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous,
but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff