The State of the Harvest

In the realm of spiritual nourishment, our focus this week is on the parable of putting in the sickle for
the harvest. Much like a diligent farmer who surveys the field before reaping, we too are called to
understand the current state of the spiritual harvest around us. This theme resonates deeply with the
story in John 4:27-42, where Jesus engages with the Samaritan woman at the well.
In this account, Jesus’s disciples are taken aback by his conversation with the woman, yet they fail to
question him. The woman, however, leaves her waterpot and rushes to the city, sharing the news of the
Messiah’s presence. This prompts the townspeople to come and witness the truth for themselves,
leading to the proclamation that Jesus is indeed the Christ.

The Gathering-In of the Harvest:

Just as the woman’s testimony catalyzed the gathering of souls to Christ, we must recognize the urgency
of the harvest around us. Our interaction with this world comes in three layers:

1. The State of the Harvest:
   Do we truly perceive the spiritual harvest that awaits? Are we able to see the ripe fields, ready for
   reaping? Jesus reminds us in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white
   already to harvest.”
2. The Gathering-In:
   As reapers in God’s vineyard, we are called to gather souls unto eternal life. The parallels between the
   one percent of disciples who went out to fetch food and the rest who stayed behind in the story
   emphasize the need for all believers to participate in the great commission.
3. The Blessings of the Harvest:
   Just as those who sow and those who reap share in the joy of the harvest, so too shall we rejoice when
   we witness souls coming to Christ. Remember, in the kingdom of God, one sows, and another reaps
   (John 4:37).

Barriers to Seeing Clearly:

However, several barriers hinder us from seeing the state of the harvest clearly:

1. Shortsightedness:
   Like Amos in Amos 8:2, we might fail to see the impending harvest due to shortsightedness. We must lift
   our eyes beyond immediate concerns and recognize the spiritual urgency.
2. Lack of Empathy:
   The cares of the world and sin’s deceitfulness can dull our hearts to the lost. Let us remember Christ’s
   compassion in Mark 6:34 and Mark 8:2, as a model for our empathy.
3. Ignorance of Our Identity:
   We carry the word of reconciliation, as revealed in 2 Corinthians 5:19. This should inspire us to reach
   out, as we possess the means to bridge the gap between God and humanity.

The Great Commission: A Command, Not a Suggestion:

Jesus’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is not a mere suggestion but a divine command. It
emphasizes authority, global outreach, comprehensive teaching of the gospel, and the eternal presence
of Christ in our efforts. Let us be mindful of this rhythm as we work to fulfill this commandment.

Conclusion: The Call to Zeal

The message in Revelation 3:14-19 echoes our responsibility to be zealous in the Lord’s work. We must
avoid complacency and lukewarmness, opening our eyes to the world’s spiritual needs and responding
with urgency. Let us not be content with a fraction of the harvest, but instead strive for the abundant
harvest God intends for us.
May we all heed the call to put in the sickle and work fervently in the Lord’s vineyard, knowing that the
time is ripe, and the harvest is waiting. Let us cultivate a heart of compassion, understanding, and vision
for the nations, remembering the promise that when we overcome and persist, God grants us power
over the nations.