Gathering the Harvest

Humans always have a small limited view of God’s plans. With simple parables Jesus did give us hints to the way that God works. For example, He taught we must spread seeds in order to have a harvest. One prophet said: Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered… Zech 13:7 (NLT). This is a hard thing for us to understand until we remember that people must be spread out in order to increase their number.

The disciples loved their little group and they wanted it to stay together forever. But God needed the gospel to spread over the whole earth. It was important that something bad happen: On the way, Jesus told them, Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matt 26:31. Jesus accomplished many things during His ministry but the followers had to spread out. 

One parable Jesus taught 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… And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” Mark 4:26-29 (NLT). Christians must scatter the seed then wait for harvest.

A good church encourages both the people who plant and the ones who harvest. Both are very important if we want to gather a good harvest. Jesus was teaching about the Kingdom of God and he said: The seed is God’s word. Luke 8:11. God’s word is the most valuable possession that any person can own. We must receive it into our heart in order to be: …honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15. 

Paul also used the seed and harvest story for another purpose. He said that our material wealth was to be used for God’s work. It is not a popular subject with people who have gathered a lot of wealth. Somehow our willingness to share with others tells us the condition of our heart with God. The Bible says: Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Cor 9:6 

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Cor 9:7-8 (NLT). Several times the Bible reminds us that God will supply our needs if we will give to other people who need help.  

The only way to see God’s seed and harvest plan work is to try it for ourselves. Everything that we want in eternity depends on “simply believing” what God said is reality. If we will make the seed and harvest principle the definition of our life it will glorify our heavenly Father. Paul finished the passage by saying: For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 2 Cor 9:13 (NLT). 

God scatters His people and then waits for the harvest. May we be known as the obedient ones who produce a great harvest!