[Jesus said,] “… wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
– John 4:35b-38
A new day arrived with Jesus. His disciples will soon reap a harvest of souls who turn to the living God.
These souls don’t gain eternal life because they are part of the nation of Israel or because of their good works. No, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection redeemed these souls, enabling them to reconcile with the God of creation.
This is a harvest of souls that’s ready because others have planted. Who are the others? Jesus through His teaching. John the Baptist through his warnings and baptism of repentance. And the Old Testament writers who prepared the way with the law and their prophecies.
Today, we have the inestimable privilege to continue planting and gathering a harvest of souls. Whenever we share the Gospel, we plant. And when women turn to faith in Jesus, we gather.
Jesus says that we are paid good wages for this work! How?
We get to observe firsthand when a woman enters eternal life, when she begins a friendship with God through Jesus. We watch a life transform before our very eyes – a miracle that only God can accomplish; our faith is enlarged! And we actually participate in a glorious drama planned by the Trinity before the foundation of the world.
Let’s continue to pray for revival, that many Christians awaken to God’s call and command to harvest souls. Let’s continue to pray for revival, that many who don’t yet follow Jesus awaken to their need to reconcile with God.
Let’s continue to pray for revival in our hearts, that we grow in compassion for those who don’t follow Jesus and a desire to reap a harvest of women brought to eternal life.
Finally, pray that God gives us many opportunities to share the Gospel this fall – and to yield a harvest!
Other verses: Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 10:2
Discussion questions:
1. How do you feel about harvesting souls? What “wages” have you received?
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, who do you think is responsible for harvesting souls? Discuss the names of some women who you might ask to become workers in the harvest (Luke 10:2). Invite them to your next time of prayer.
Lorraine Potter Kalal
President and CEO