The Principles of the Harvest

Working for God is Empowering ()

Explanation: The disciples return from their supply run and start preparing a meal. Jesus isn’t eating, so they begin to urge Him to eat. They have been gone for a while, and they know He was tired when they left. They are surprised when He tells them He isn’t hungry anymore. He tells them He has a source of nourishment that they know nothing about.

Illustrate: traveling back from VA for Sandy Justice mother’s funeral. Stopped on the way back because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Popped a 5 hour energy and got recharged

Argument: A natural cycle exists for doing physical work. Work consumes energy so the worker has to replenish his or her levels for the work to continue. Eating and resting is what humans and animals need to replenish. [Story about the man and the donkey]

The principle for the spiritual world is similar, but with an important distinction. For us to accomplish the will and work the Father has for us we also need nourishment. Our nourishment, our empowering comes when we actually do His will in His way. The everyday humdrum of life takes on new significance as we realize we are accomplishing something Eternal when we are working for Him.

Application: Ask yourself the question: “what energizes me? Is it going to work on Monday morning or getting off work on Friday? Is it participating in sports or other recreation? Now answer this: Is your level of anticipation the same of greater for the things of God?

Working for God is urgent ()

Explanation: Jesus gives them an analogy to help them understand the importance of what He is telling them. At the time Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman, there were still four months left in the growing season for the crops. So with the physical harvest there was a waiting period before bringing the crop to the storehouse. Then Jesus switches to the spiritual realm and tells them that there is no waiting period. People were ready to receive the Good News right then

Illustration: Code Blue in a hospital. The nurses don’t sit and finish their coffee - the crash cart is rolling and everyone is on the move!

Argument: The Kingdom Harvest is urgent business. No one, lost or saved, is ever promised tomorrow. Not a single one of us know how much more time we have on this earth. When addressing the time of salvation, the Bible only knows Today. Today is the day of Salvation!

2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

“For He says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” ()

Application: What are you doing in the service of the King at the present time? If you aren’t serving in the Kingdom, what are you waiting for? [Note: there are seasons of healing and restoration following burnout or brokenness]

Working for God is Rewarding ()

Explanation: Jesus tells the disciples that those believers who are involved in sharing the Gospel are receiving payment. Jesus uses the word wages which indicates it is a payment, not a gift.

Illustrate: ministry as a Youth Pastor is often frustrating and seemingly a waste of time. But every now and then one comes back and tell you that you made a difference, and that is rewarding. You don’t serve for the rewards, but God does bring them. And, most will not be received in this walk of life, but in Eternity

Argument: Make sure your good works flow from a grateful heart that has received mercy and grace (already saved), and not from a mindset that is trying to earn salvation through good works.

As we live as Believers, we should remember what is truly important. We only have so much time and resources on earth so we should have discernment in how we spend them. It is helpful to remember the words of Jesus in

Matthew 6:20–21 ESV

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Application: How much of what you are getting are you going to be able to keep? And, are you sending anything ahead? How is your Eternal 401K looking? Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”

Working for God involves all believers ()

Working for God involves all believers ()

Explanation: Jesus tells the disciples that they are participating in the harvest of the Samaritans (reapers), even though they did not do any of the work of spiritual preparation (sowing).

Illustrate: spider web principle of evangelism

Argument: Every believer is a minister. Each person who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ has the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit () and has at least one spiritual gift for Kingdom service ().

Each believer has the privilege and responsibility to share the Gospel with others. It is not just the job of the pastors!

Application: Bloom where you are planted. Quit asking for different circumstances or locations and serve God will what He has given you. Discover your giftedness and serve with a grateful heart. Pray for opportunities and God will provide!