Gospel

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Ripe for Harvest
by Dan Blankenship


Lowell, Indiana – the place I call home, used to be, and still somewhat remains, a place where family farms fill the landscape. Now I have never owned, lived, or worked on a farm, but up until a few years ago, my property was surrounded by farmland. And, year after year, I watched as farmers worked their fields, looking forward to the harvest season and the profits that came with it. Sweet corn, feed corn, cabbage, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, and strawberries all bring happiness, prosperity, and delicious dining experiences to those of us that call Northwest Indiana home.

The farmer sees and embraces his reward after many months of hard work. Likewise, Jesus has commanded that His followers realize how important it is to reap souls for eternal life and comprehend the reward in such a commitment. We must not sit idle while the fields are ripe for harvest. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvest the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” (John 4:34-36 NIV).

I have no doubt that we all know people who need to hear the gospel presented to them, preferably by an individual who can present the good news in a mature and thoughtful manner. It has been quite a while since I have read about any major, news-grabbing revival in America. That shouldn’t be the case. Millions of people across this nation are ripe for harvest, desperately crying out for real direction in their lives.

Jesus provides his followers with all they will ever need (see Matthew 6:25:34), all they could ever want (see Matthew 7:7), and the promise that death’s sting shall not come into their life (see 1 Corinthians 15:55).

The world tells us to trust in doctors, medications, and treatments, and those are all good tools to use alleviate mental and physical disorders. But treatment of the soul requires a physician not beholden to the scientific limitations of this presently cursed world. Human souls need to be harvested with the message of salvation, and if we are to get busy about that which God has called us to do, we must first realize that the fields are indeed ripe for harvest.

Christians can no longer wait around for others to spread the good news. We all need to use the gifts God has bestowed upon us to reach out to those who have not heard the glorious message of salvation. Many do not know they are in need of redemption, let alone that their redeemer has come! And whether people hear about it from a radio broadcast, a sermon, or a story, or whether they see it written on a billboard, a chalkboard, or an Etch A Sketch, or whether they are inspired by a play, a movie, or a skit, they need to hear the message of a risen Savior! And we need be the ones out in the field, regardless of what gifts we use, harvesting souls for a kingdom ruled by the one and only true King.

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