This year we are expecting the Lord to lead us into our greatest harvest of souls thus far.  Here is a passage rich in promise when it comes to the harvest.  This week’s blog is the first in a two part reflection on this “E” theme of our FIRE values, or the “outward” journey.

“Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, “Four months between planting and harvest.” But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, “One plants and another harvests.” And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.’” (John 4:34-38 NLT)

I’ve been asking the Lord to help me get in touch with more joy in my life. With everything on my plate (we all have full agendas) I need spiritual strength on an ongoing basis and then I remember, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Whose joy is it? It’s the Lord’s joy — and I need access to that joy. So it seems like everywhere I look in the scriptures these days, I see the theme of joy. I’ve been reading the passage above for the past few weeks and I see this: ”The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!” (John 4:36 NLT)

And it hits me. One of the ways that I access the joy of the Lord is by being a planter and a harvester. What joy is available to those who are deliberately, intentionally working in the fields with the Holy Spirit to plant seeds of the gospel! I know from experience that there is no greater joy than being able to lead someone to the Lord.

So, if we want more joy in our lives — and let’s face it, we all do — then one of the ways is to share the good news of Jesus with those people who are in our lives — family members, friends, co-workers, clients, fellow students etc. God will give us many opportunities to share and He will allow us to harvest as well. So… Let’s plant, let’s harvest; there will be great joy and we will be strengthened!

Brothers and sisters at CTF Scarborough, the Lord of the Harvest is on the move! Let’s get in step with Him!

Ramesh

The body of this article first appeared in revivalmag.com.