Acts 20:22-24 “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Have you ever purchased a new field that was undeveloped for the purpose of planting a harvest? If you have, you are keenly aware of the work that goes into plowing, clearing away stones, pulling up old trees and stumps, removing weeds and briars, and enriching the soil. Without the work, the labor of planting seed becomes an endeavor that will probably prove unprofitable. Much like the farmer, the fields of this world require a similar amount of care. Throw seed on the rocks or among the weeds and the expectation should coincide with the effort. Jesus gave a parable that illustrates this point.
Matthew 13:3-9 “Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Soon after Jesus shared the parable of the sower His disciples questioned Jesus regarding the use of parables which were difficult for the people to understand.
Jesus was speaking to His people, not to those who cared less about the work of the gospel but to those who have been raised to new life. For those who have become partners with Christ in sharing the gospel and growing the Kingdom of God, the Lord instructs in how to be effective in the world. Those who are not of Christ need not consider such an endeavor.
Planting seeds is for the one who has been given seed to plant.
2 Corinthians 9:10 “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness”
Receiving Seed
The seed is the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You cannot partake of gospel work without first becoming a servant of Christ. Becoming a servant requires humility, just like Jesus modeled. Following Christ is an act of faith in recognizing who Christ is, trusting His Word to be true, submitting to His authority, and then receiving the Spirit who seals His people by His power and sets them on the path by which He leads.
The servant of God must be redeemed from the old life of sin and be redeemed into the newness of life in Christ.
Once the sinner is redeemed, Jesus supplies them with all they need for life and godliness.
2 Peter 1:3 “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”
“When power hath once gone forth from God, it does not return without accomplishing its purpose. It is wont to find something which it may rouse to act, whatever be the objects which come in its way.”
Johann Albrecht Bengel
The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit leads the faithful follower into a greater knowledge of God, lifting up Christ and making His people a testimony of His glory in the world. The Word of God is alive in the one walking in Him.
A personal testimony coupled with the gospel of Christ pairs itself into a representation of Christ to the world. Can you see what an honor it is to be called a child of God?
To represent Christ, the Creator and Redeemer of all, is to represent the King of Kings, who was, and is, and is to come.
The responsibility of a christian is not one taken lightly, but to the contrary to call oneself a christian and live like the world is to blaspheme the name of Christ.
Sowing Seed
Once those who walked in darkness are filled with the Spirit of light, the evidence of belief shows as they become partakers in the work of Christ…..sowing seed is a big part of that work.
When we look again at Jesus’ parable, we see trouble in the road….
Matthew 13:18:22 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
The unprepared heart is the one who like a field that wants to fulfill its purpose but cannot on its own, it must receive the knowledge of truth by way of preparation.
The preparation is directed by God. The Lord raises up His people whom He sends and softens the soil to make it ready to receive the gospel. John the Baptist was raised up to do this very thing before Jesus began His ministry on the earth. Sometimes the work of soil preparation is not such a glamorous or fulfilling role, it takes a very special person who doesn’t need the accolades of leading others to Christ. The role of a laborer can be abusive, dangerous, and it takes a heart that maintains a steadfast spirit.
It is the laborer for the gospel that I highly revere, they get very little glory on earth but their reward in Heaven awaits and the Lord knows and will honor them.
Luke 7:28 “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
John the Baptist had not yet received the power of the Spirit of God because Jesus had not yet died for his sins. The Kingdom of God is filled with Spirit filled believers, even the least of them has more power than John did at that time. Greatness is a value that Christ alone holds, when Jesus imparts His Spirit to His people, it is His greatness that becomes part of who they are.
Hebrews 3:3 “For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, in as much as He who built the house has more honor than the house.”
Reaping the Harvest
The work of bringing in the harvest might sound glorious but it too requires labor. There is much rejoicing when God’s people witness the fruit of good labor, Jesus said even Heaven rejoices when one sinner comes to Him.
Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The work of God is accomplished by His people, with His message, under His power, and with His protection.
As we look further in Matthew, we see the result of the seed producing people of righteousness, who go forth and produce more fruit.
Matthew 13:23 “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
What if God’s people never stepped up and did the work that He requires?
Luke 19:40 “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
The works of God are manifold, as followers of Christ His people have been privileged to partake of whatever purpose He has prepared for them. The focus must be on Christ alone, and just like any good gift God gives the gift of being His representative is not a focus on the work but on loving God by loving others.
The believers heart looks to the Maker of all things for He truly makes all things new.
U.T. 