A Good Harvest

When we think of harvest time, we may envision baskets of colorful gourds, fruits and vegetables. But if a farmer is to receive a harvest, he must sow before he reaps. To sow means to scatter or plant seeds. To reap means to cut, gather or receive a reward from labor. Harvest means the gathering of a crop, the product of labor, consequences or effect. These agricultural terms give us the illustration of a farmer from seedtime to reaping and harvest. As the farmer waits for his crop to produce, he expects a good harvest.

The bible teaches us that everyone will receive a harvest, good or bad. But while everyone desires a good harvest, that will not be the case. Galatians 6:7 says, “For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” We can sow, reap and harvest in many ways. It is up to each of us to decide the kind of harvest we desire to receive. Sow love, reap love. Sow hate, reap hate. Sow peace, reap peace. Sow wickedness, reap evil. Sow righteousness, reap righteousness. Sow chaos and confusion, reap chaos and confusion. Sow kindness, reap kindness. Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. Sow bountifully, reap bountifully. Sow negative words, reap negativity. Sow positive words, reap positivity. Sow rejection of Christ, reap God’s eternal wrath.

However, for those who sow faith in Christ, God promises the very best harvest of all. For they will reap eternal life with Him. Hosea 6:11 says, “there is a harvest appointed for you when I restore the fortunes of my people.”

Picture Courtesy of:

Autumn Harvest Puzzle - VermontChristmasCo.com