The Scriptures teach that the one priority, the one concern of the Savior's heart is the harvest. He seeks the harvest; He saves the harvest; He sends us to the harvest. Since that is true, the people whom He chooses to fellowship with are harvest laborers.
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Matthew 20:1
He is still looking for laborers today. Not entertainers, not professionals, not experts-common laborers. To be a good farmer, it is not required that you completely understand biology, chemistry, meteorology or botany.What you have to do is sow and reap.
To be a laborer in the field of souls you don't have to understand all theology, eschatology, or ecclesiology; just sow and reap. Just tell them the gospel and ask them to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Sow and reap.
And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went out to sow; Matthew 13:3
No, not all seed will produce. Some will fall on cold hearts; some on cluttered hearts; and some on careless hearts. But if we sow enough seed, some will fall on hearts that have been cultivated by the Holy Spirit and are warm, receptive, fertile hearts. Only God can convict a heart. I sow the seed; God convicts the heart.
Happy is the farmer that knows the difference between his responsibility and God's responsibility. God doesn't sow the seed or cultivate the soil, that is the farmer's responsibility. But after the seed is sown, the farmer has to trust God. Only God can bring life out of death.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24
Would you join me in the harvest? The fields are ready to harvest now. God is looking for sowers and reapers. As the words of Twila Paris invite,
Come and join the reapers
All the kingdom seekers
Laying down your life
To find it in the end
Come and share the harvest
Help to light the darkness
For the Lord is calling
Faithful men
(and women, and students, and prime timers)
I think you're right on target here. In the harvest, there is no room for extra baggage. Some claim theological systems to the point where it takes precedent over imperative commands found in Scripture. Studying the doctrines of salvation is important, but these imperative commands can't be shelved while we do so. Paul didn't do this, and neither did Luther or Calvin. Working out doctrine must never take priority over the commission to make disciples. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post pastor.
ReplyDeleteSowing and reaping with you!
Chris Aiken