Harvest Time

​It seems to have happened so quickly! The fields of winter wheat standing tall with their blue-green color caught my eye. Almost overnight the color of the fields of grain turned into a golden tan. This color against the green trees and blue sky drew me in. Harvest time is coming!
 
Winter wheat is planted in the fall so that it can be harvested in the spring and summer. After the harvest, the farmer has several options for his next step. Some farmers choose to leave their fields fallow so that they can rest and nutrients can be replenished before planting another crop. Others will plan a cover crop like rye, vetch, or oats. Their purpose is to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. Some will decide to double-crop and plant soybeans or sorghum that need to be harvested before the next winter wheat seed is planted.
 
Like physical harvesting, spiritual harvesting has a process. The most important part of seed planting involves preparing the ground. This includes plowing and adding fertilizer and nutrients to the soil. In the spiritual context, seeds of faith are sown when we share the Gospel after the heart is prepared to receive the good news. A farmer nurtures his crop with water and fertilizer and removes the weeds that compete with the crop. A Believer in Jesus should be fed by reading the Word, praying, interacting with other Christians, and resisting negative influences. Just as the farmer must be patient and persevering in tending his crop, a Believer needs these characteristics to grow in Christlikeness.
 
A farmer knows the signs that indicate harvest time is near. Likewise, the community of faith can see a transformed life. Believers are called to be laborers in the harvest. Luke 10:2 tells us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field." The parable of the growing seed appears in the book of Mark, verses 26 to 29. "Jesus also told them this parable: God's kingdom realm is like someone spreading seed on the ground. He goes to bed and gets up, day after day, and the seed sprouts and grows tall, though he knows not how. All by itself it sprouts, and the soil produces a crop; first the green stem, then the head on the stalk, and then the fully developed grain in the head. Then, when the grain is ripe, he immediately puts the sickle to the grain, because harvest time has come." (TPT)
 
As we approach end times, we know that the Lord is looking for helpers in the harvest. Mature saints, who continue to grow in wisdom and faith, are needed to sow into the lives of others. It is expected that we will persevere in the process of nurturing those who are newer in the faith. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that "He does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance." Harvest is a time of celebration. We are reminded of God's faithfulness and that we are part of His plan that we bear fruit. Our challenge is to deepen our relationship with God so that we can share our faith with others. Let's be cognizant of any opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel with those that God brings into our lives.