Living 4 Him

“Take your sickle and reap, for the time to reap has come and the harvest is ripe.” Revelation 4:15

For the past month, pumpkins have popped out everywhere, spreading orange delight.  The pumpkin process began early last spring when single seeds dropped into fertile soil, sprouted leaves on twisting vines, joined by flowers which eventually turned to small green balls.  The resulting ripe pumpkins were harvested and are now ready for all sorts of uses.

The word “harvest” is used over 100 times in the Bible, mostly in the Old Testament, conveying both literal and spiritual meanings.  Jesus spoke of the harvest to his disciples in Matthew, Luke and John, referring to the spiritual needs of people.

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 37-38

The harvest refers to the people of the world in need of God’s abundant grace.  The workers are believers who follow God, sharing God’s kind mercy with others.  The Lord of the harvest (God) needs workers to bring the harvest to him.  At the time Jesus spoke these words, the true believers were few, so his request to send more workers into the harvest field involves future believers; that’s you and me!

Jesus prayed that more workers (believers) would come alongside him, displaying the greater joy of life, through giving, loving, sharing, and helping.  Working the harvest requires the workers to live in love, showing the grace given by God to those around them. Every time we choose God’s path of generosity and kindness, we fulfill Jesus’ prayer and increase the harvest. 

An abundant harvest is a glorious sight!  Millions upon millions of ripe fruit, successfully completing the cycle of life and accomplishing the exact purpose they were created for!

Pumpkins are harvested in two ways.  Pumpkins processed for food or seeds are generally picked by large machines rolling over the top of the pumpkins because it doesn’t matter if a gash or bump occurs during the harvest.  Pumpkins on display are treated more gently and harvested by hand, carefully cutting the stems and keeping the sleek skin intact. 

As harvesters for Jesus, how do we want to work?  Rolling over the ripe fruit with an occasional cut or bruise? Or gently caring for each one and keeping all that God has intended for them intact?  Our hands work for God.  Every task we take on throughout the day is an opportunity to reap the harvest.  We earnestly pray for God to instill his gentleness in our souls as we work, helping him to bring forth a harvest of great beauty and valuable purpose. 

C.S. Pacat in her novel Dark Skies writes, “Kindness is never a mistake. Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.”  A kind, loving heart is necessary to help God reap the harvest.  Let’s share the work with God!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Read John 4:35-36 for another perspective of God’s harvest and consider your role in God’s work. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Be aware of your hands this week as you go about your daily business.  How is God using your hands to bring about a productive, plentiful harvest?