HALLEUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2022
WEEK 29: (September 5 – September 11, 2022)
WEEKLY BIBLE READINGS:
John 4: 36 -38 (NKJV)
36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
The scripture above will be examined from two lenses. On one hand, it relates to our Christian journey here on earth and on the other, our role in the advancement of the kingdom.
Jesus teaches us about winning souls. When we read the scripture we learn from Jesus that winning souls involves both sowing and reaping just as in agriculture, sowing involves preparing the soil and planting the seed. In winning souls to Christ, it involves preparing and planting. Hearts need to be prepared to receive the gospel. This process involves time, love and patience. Likewise, the process of reaping involves souls who have heard the Word and decided to obey it. Both sowing and reaping are necessary to win souls. Do you really share and spread the gospel of Christ?
Through the analogy of the harvest, Jesus demonstrated that His work was profitable and advantageous. We do not serve a hard Master; He is a loving Master. There are showers of blessings now and blessings throughout eternity – His disciples would be the gainers – His disciples are always the gainers. Jesus tells us later in John the central focus for all work should be on the eternal rather than the temporal:
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him, God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” John 6:27 (NIV) Are you truly His disciple?
On the other hand, having previously incited His disciples to open their eyes to the need before them as a field ripe for harvest, Jesus now presses them towards due diligence in their work. Just as they were workers with Jesus, they must be workers like Jesus. The time of opportunity was at hand and they must act. It was a necessary work that was both urgent and pressing. What is your work in the vineyard?
In addition to the foregoing, CCC Hymn 429 says, “Labour ye on and seek ye no repose. Keep sowing seeds the harvest now cometh…” The Preacher in his message exemplifies that for everything under the sun, there is time for it – a time to plant and a time to reap that which has been planted. What kind of seeds are you planting? What are you investing in now that you are expecting a reward in the future? Are you sowing to the flesh or to spirit?
Never forget that God’s will for the lives of His children is always perfect and pleasing. It is Satan that throws in the alluring lie that sin satisfies rather than our Savior. Beloved, this is a reminder to sow unto spirit and not to flesh as the harvest is near. It’s time to continue to spread the gospel of Christ and invite people to His marvelous light.
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael. Thank you for your Word. Father, we pray you have mercy on us. Give us the grace to consciously and consistently win more souls for you. Help us to sow unto spirit and not the flesh. Keep us and help us to be steadfast. Empower us to flee all desire of the flesh. That on the last day, we may dwell with you in your kingdom. This and many more we ask for through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you and God bless. Shalom.
Footnote: “A life without Christ is full of crisis but life in Christ is a great life full of peace. Let that be your Guide & Guard”
Isaiah 59:1 – Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear”