Pastor's Blog - Harvest 2018

In the book of Proverbs (20:4) we read, “Sluggards do not plough in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.” This is a consequence of being lazy! The word “season” can be translated as “cold season” which could possibly explain the lazy man’s problem. Perhaps he prefers to stay in bed where it is warm or perhaps he just likes to get on and do those things which do not require effort! The work of preparation is always demanding and difficult but always brings results. There can be no reaping without prior preparation, watering and sowing! As I make my way to the Chapel at this time of year I can see how diligent the farmers of West Row have been in their preparation – I don’t think any of them can be accused of being lazy! The crops always look so healthy and it’s a testament to all their preparation and hard work.

However, from a spiritual perspective, I do wonder if the same can be said about many people’s preparation for the life to come? The Bible is very clear that our time on this planet is only the beginning – there is an eternal life beyond the grave and how each of us will spend that life is determined by how we live our lives now.

In the Bible it tells us in Hebrews 9:27, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgement.” In God’s Word (the Bible), the judgement that is coming is sometimes pictured as a harvest, not a harvest of crops but a harvest of men’s souls. In Matthew 13:39-43 we read, “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The most important question we need to ask ourselves is, “are we ready for that final harvest?” As the years go by and the harvesting of crops continues, the final harvest of souls draws closer and closer. Sadly, there are many who will be caught unawares because they have been too lazy to prepare for it. Instead of seeking after God, they have instead spent their time doing all those things which have no bearing on what is important. All trivial things really, when looked at in the light of eternity.

If you are one of those people, why not today, start preparing yourself for the final harvest? It’s the preparation that counts! You must do that by turning to God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can make you right in God’s sight. Jesus says in the Bible in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you come to Him now, admitting you are a sinner, confessing your sin before Him and sincerely placing your trust in Jesus, you will be saved. Why? Because in His death, the punishment of God you deserve, was carried by Jesus, on your behalf. He was punished in your place! Consequently, God’s demand for justice has still been met, you have been forgiven, made right with God and your preparation for the final harvest has started!

Then, if you don’t have your own church, feel free to join us here at the Chapel as we together, continue to prepare for that great day when the final harvest will commence, and we will be ushered into the storehouse of God – heaven itself!

May you and your family experience God’s richest blessing at this time and may you be ready for the last great harvest. God bless.