Harvest Mandate

John 4:31–38 NIV84

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

1. We must answer the Harvest Mandate

a) Recognize the Ripeness of the Harvest

Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 “1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,”

Just as a farmer must recognize when crops are ready, we must discern spiritual readiness in those around us.

b) Overcome Procrastination

Proverbs 20:4 “4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.”

We often delay spiritual work, but God's timing is now. We must act promptly on His call.

c) The Cost of Delay

Jeremiah 8:20 “20 “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.””

Postponing spiritual harvest can lead to missed opportunities and lost souls.

2. We must be involved in the Harvest Mandate

a) You must sow Seeds of Faith

Mark 4:26–29 “26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.””

Our daily actions and words plant seeds of faith in others' lives.

b) We must Nurture Spiritual Growth

1 Corinthians 3:6–7 “6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

We play a role in nurturing spiritual growth, but ultimately, God gives the increase.

c) Persevere in doing good

Galatians 6:9 “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Spiritual harvest requires patience and persistence, even when results aren't immediately visible.

3. We must be the reapers of the Harvest

a) It is your mandate to bear lasting Fruit

John 15:16 “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

There's immense joy in seeing lives transformed through our faithful service.

b) It is your mandate to be a worker in His Harvest

Matthew 9:37–38 “37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.””

Our harvest work has eternal significance, impacting souls for God's kingdom.

c) The Harvest Mandate is a Collaborative Effort

1 Corinthians 3:8–9 “8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

We're co-laborers with God and each other in this spiritual harvest.

4. You have been Equipped for the Harvest

a) We must be in God’s Word

2 Timothy 2:15 AMP “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.

We must continually grow in our understanding and application of God's Word.

b) Develop Spiritual Maturity

Hebrews 5:14 “14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

No shortcuts to maturity

As we mature, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in harvest opportunities.

c) Embrace your unique Role

1 Peter 4:10–11 “10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Each of us has a specific part to play in God's harvest, using our unique gifts and talents.