Equipped for the Field


This star wheel hay rake may look more like a medieval torture device than a piece of farm instrument but it is highly effective at doing its job. When hay is ready to be harvested, it is first cut at ground level, then these rakes make windrows (or rows of piled hay) where it can later be bailed once dry. Of course, this equipment is far more effective when placed into position along the ground where the circular rakes spin as they are being pulled/guided by a tractor.

People are like a field. Jesus pointed this out to His followers as He journeyed through the countryside. Matthew 9:35-38 reads...

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Just as it takes many different farm instruments to plant, water, spray, cut, rake and bail a crop of hay, believers have many different roles and responsibilities in God's field too. We are reminded by the Apostle Paul...

The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service. (1 Corinthians 3:8-9a)

And Jesus said, "Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true." (John 4:37)

Our purpose together is to prepare, grow and win people to Jesus. Some will plow the fields getting them ready for another to plant seeds of gospel truth. Some will water with love and care. And another will harvest the field when it is ready. Whatever your job is, be equipped for the field and guided by God's Spirit to fulfill it! You will be rewarded generously for your labor.

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