2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
I’ve heard it said that the second-best day in the life of the average boat owner is the day he buys his boat. The best day is when he sells it! We joke about it here at PBC, but we say that one of the best times of the year is when summer starts. We enjoy looking forward to the youth conference, and our big soul-winning push, and all that goes on, but one of the best times of the year is when Pastor stands behind the pulpit and says, “Summer is OVER!” Why is this? Because when summer is over, that means it’s fall time. At our church, fall is “harvest time.” Harvest time is always the most fruitful time of ministry, soul-winning, discipleship, and sowing seeds over any other time of the year, and we look forward to it. As we think about the harvest, and of sowing seeds, the verse above came to my mind, and I was reminded of three truths.
First, I’m reminded of the reason we sow so many seeds – because those who sow bountifully, reap bountifully. We’ve been called to the Lord’s harvest. If we have a choice between a great harvest and a measly one, I want to be part of a great one! How will this happen? With all of God’s people getting involved in sowing lots of seeds! If we want a great friend day- sow lots of seeds. If we want a great program on the bus routes – sow lots of seeds! If we want to see many saved – we must sow lots of seeds. Each member is called to be part of sowing seeds for the harvest. Let’s have a great harvest by sowing now.
Second, I’m reminded of the reaping of sowing (1 Corinthians 3:6) – once the seeds sprout, there will be a great need for laborers to reap and water the seeds. God has already begun bringing the harvest; we’re going to see baby sprouts turn into a fruitful harvest. We need many people to water, and many to disciple, and be a part of reaping the fruit of the sowing. If each of us will look for someone we can “water,” disciple, invest in, and “teach” (2 Timothy 2:2), the harvest will be amazing!
Thirdly, I’m reminded of the reward of sowing – Proverbs 11:18 says, “To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.” The greatest reward of the harvest is seeing seeds sprout, grow, and bear fruit. If you’ve never experienced the reward of the harvest, I promise, there’s nothing as fulfilling. There’s nothing as exhilarating. There’s nothing as joyful! If we sow seeds and take part in the reaping process, I believe the Lord will do a great work, and there will be a great reward. Let’s have a great harvest time this fall!
