Christian Writers Circle

Freedom in the Harvest
Trusting the Lord of the Harvest
by Brenda D. Flowers

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”  (John 4:34, NKJV) 

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 10:36-38, NRSV) 

It’s harvest time!

A local harvest festival, a farmer’s market full of harvested crops, or the September viewing of the harvest moon may have marked the beginning of this special season for you. 

I love the cooler fall temperatures after a sweltering summer. It is invigorating to spend time outside, enjoying God’s colorful displays.

Recently on a lovely cool day, I was reading my Bible outside. Touched by a gentle breeze, I  thought about how grateful I was for the change in seasons and how much I loved harvest time. This led me to reading scriptures mentioning harvest, starting in the book of Ruth. 

   Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered him, “The LORD bless you!” Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ …Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. (Ruth 2:4-7a, 8, NKJV)

Reading the book of Ruth, one discovers how God provides for, protects and loves Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law. Ruth made a choice to leave her old life in Moab to trust in the one true God. She was faithful. The lovingkindness of Boaz to Ruth is a picture of God’s lovingkindness to humanity. Boaz was their kinsman redeemer and Jesus is Redeemer to all who trust Him. As we trust Jesus with our whole heart, leaving our old ways, we realize He has provided a field for us, His Kingdom, where we can glean daily. Jesus shared the gospel of the Kingdom. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, …(Matthew 6: 33-34a, NKJV)

Prayer: 
Lord of the Harvest, Thank You for Your great love, sending Jesus to redeem us and to provide us free access to Your Kingdom. May we grow in our understanding as we leave our old mindsets to embrace Your Truth. We do pray as Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6: 10, KJV) We join in prayer trusting You to send out laborers into Your harvest.

“Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6: 8b, NKJV)