by Ron Wilson
“Then he said to his disciples, “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
Usually when I think of the Harvest I think of the gathering of food- corn, beans, flowers already ripened and ready for use, however on this one morning, while on the way to Leadership meeting I thought “How did the Harvest get to be the Harvest”? It didn’t just show up that way.
Fields of produce, gardens just don’t happen. There takes planning, and in some cases a good deal of planning. There was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes – someone had to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, provide sufficient water, and generally nurture the plants to grow. All this with the hope that God will provide the light that is needed for the crops to grow.
The early Christians really understood this in both a natural and a spiritual way. Paul talked about planting, while Apollos watered , all the while knowing that only God could give the increase. James understood this principle very well as he acknowledged that it was pointless planting seed seeds in a soil that was deficient of some of its basic nutrients. James thought that it was only fitting to do all that one can to satisfy the basic needs as the “Word of God” was planted in one’s life. I don’t remember reading about any of these gentlemen having a “farming” background yet they all seemed to greatly understand “Harvest-building” techniques. Their guidance came from the Holy Spirit as a result of loving Christ.
It’s wonderfully amazing that these early church workers understood their role in the “harvest building”. They serve as a reminder that in the business of “life” what am I working on? Have I planted the Word of God in a heart, have I encouraged someone whose faith may be wavering in the way of The Lord. Each day I am reminded that I need to be one of the workers involved in the Harvest.
“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Ron Wilson
Deacon, Grace Christian Church
