THE LORD OF THE HARVEST

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:6

We are approaching wintertime here in the West Virginia mountains.  Garden season has been over for some time.  In this area, we typically plant in the spring and reap during the summer. 

When it comes to sowing God's Word, there is never a bad season.  In fact, Paul instructed Timothy to be "instant in season and out of season."  In other words, evangelism is always in season. 

Most people think that spring and fall are the best times to have revival at a church.  Historically speaking, genuine revival may break out at any time.  The Asbury revival, for instance, occurred in Wilmore, Ky. in early February.  At my own church, I can recall when the Lord moved in special ways during the winter.  We are constantly reminded to continue sowing the Gospel seed regardless of the weather.

The Apostle Paul gives us insight concerning the evangelistic process.  When he wrote to the Corinthian believers, he said, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."  Please note a couple of things we learn from this text.

1.  THE LABORERS OF THE HARVEST

First of all, we learn about the laborers of the harvest.  Paul wrote, "I have planted, Apollos watered."  Paul and Apollos both labored among the Corinthians, but the Lord used them in different ways.  There is a need to plant a seed.  There is also a need to water the seed. 

There is a job for each of us to do.  You may never preach at a stadium outreach event, but you may be able to reach your neighbor.  You may never travel America & conduct evangelistic campaigns, but you can walk over to your co-worker's desk and speak to him or her.  You may never pastor a church, but you can lead your family.

There is a tendency for Christians to get jealous or envious of others who are actively sharing the Gospel.  There's no need to get jealous when others are busy serving the Lord.  However, there is a need to repent if you aren't actively laboring in the harvest field yourself.

Let's get busy in the harvest field.  There's much that needs to be done & there's little time left.  Regardless of the role that you are involved in, be obedient and faithful to the Lord.  The Lord can use you right now.  If he can use a donkey to speak the truth, he can use you!

2.  THE LORD OF THE HARVEST 

Finally, we learn about the Lord of the harvest.  "God gave the increase."  Without God, our sowing will be in vain.  While there is a role for the laborers to fulfill, the Lord is the One who accomplishes the miracle.  He is the One who causes the seed to grow and produce a harvest.

It is easy for a farmer to take credit for a large harvest.  If he were honest, though, he'd have to admit that the Lord is the One who blessed his efforts and caused the seed to produce the harvest.

The same is true with the Gospel.  I may plant a seed in the heart of a person.  That person may move to another town & be influenced by another Christian who waters that seed.  Years after my initial contact with that person, a harvest may come about.  I may never know about it.  Certainly, I should receive no credit for the harvest & neither should the person who watered the seed.  All the glory belongs to the One who led me to sow the seed and stirred the person who watered the seed.  The praise belongs to the One who caused the seed to grow and produce a harvest.

As Christians, we tend to exalt pastors, evangelists and soul-winners that see tremendous response to their evangelistic efforts.  While we should honor & respect such men, we should never lose sight of the fact that God is the One who saves souls.  He is the only One who changes lives. 

All the praise belongs to the Lord of the harvest.

Are you working in the harvest field?  I'm reminded of the old song:

In the harvest field now ripened,

There's a work for all to do;

Hark! The voice of God is calling,

To the harvest calling you.

Get busy in the harvest field.  It may be that the seed you sow today will soon bring a glorious harvest!