20 January 2010

Happy Harvest

Reading: Genesis 26:12-34

"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle" (Eccl 11:6)

Evangelism is compared to agriculture. The planters are those who meet others to share about Christ. One cannot sow seeds or reap harvest if he keeps waiting for a conducive atmosphere. "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap" (Eccl 11:1-6). The Biblical command is, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4: 2). Share the Gospel with as many people as possible. Distribute as many gospel tracts as possible. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Cor 9:6). George Verwer, the Founder-Director of Operation Mobilisation, continues to distribute Gospel tracts personally and daily to as many people he can, because he believes in Ecclesiastes 11:2,6, "Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth...In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."

Do not belittle the opportunities that appear small. When the small mustard seed is sown in the ground, does it not grow to be a big tree in whose branches the birds come and perch? (Mt 13:31,32). When one individual is led to Christ, does not a multitude come to know the Lord through him? Andrew introduced the Messiah to his brother Peter (Jn 1:41,42). We do know how Peter was instrumental for the salvation of thousands (Acts 2:41; 4:4).

We need to sacrifice our comforts if we are to win souls. The sower starts out early morning to do the difficult tasks of ploughing the land, sowing the seeds, watering the plants, removing the weeds and manuring. In Luke 13:7,8, we read of the gardener who laboured patiently for three years with the fig tree which did not yield fruit, saying, "I will dig around it and fertilize it." "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psa 126:5,6).

Sowing will go waste if it is not followed up by regular watering. Those who come to Christ must be frequently met with. In addition to praying with them, we must systematically teach them from the Scriptures and strengthen them in the fellowship of God's people. Enemies sow weeds when the labourers sleep (Mt 13:24,25). Satan is just ready to destroy souls with false teaching, adulterated gospel and backsliding. Soulwinners must be known for their alertness.

1 comment:

  1. Great stuff. You can learn more about Operation Mobilization and their mission trips here.

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