Understanding Sowing and Reaping

By Berris Flemmings

John 12:32 - "If I be lifted up... I will draw all men unto Me."
Ecclesiastes 3:2 - "...a time to plant [sow] and a time to pluck up [reap]..."
II Corinthians 5:17 - "...in Christ,... a new creature... old things pass away,... all things become new."

Sin separates us from God. Yet, as the song says, "Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is." He died for all. He so loved that He gave.

The sower went forth to sow - on various types of soil (all types). We, too, are to spread the Word... sow the seed! Not picking and choosing, but broadcasting the seed wherever and whenever. It's God Who gives the increase. He alone can give life to the seed.

• Ezekiel's boneyard looked hopeless - but God knew the potential.
• Saul was a persecutor - an unlikely convert, yet he became God's man for his time.
• A caterpiller is lowly and wormlike - but it is transformed into a butterfly.

The Word (seed) is alive - applied it changes, transforms. The wise man build his house upon the Rock. The foolish man builds on sand. Rain and winds come to all - only that which is built on a sure foundation survives.

On Athen's Mar's Hill, Paul said, "Him declare I unto you." The world doesn't know Jesus. They're not looking for more of the same they see every day. You need to be different, like God intends, so He can make an impact on your world through you. What to sow...

• The Word - the Word is the seed!
• Love - "...perfect love casteth out all fear."
• Hope - He's our hope!
• Joy - Rejoice in your Salvation - Your joy shows!
• Peace - He is our peace.
• Patience - Wait for the seed to sprout.
• Kindness - We're living epistles, "...known and read of all men."

It is important to note that suffering works in us - to His glory.

The farmer sows - and then he waits... He also waters, cultivates, fertilizes, and weeds - and then he waits some more. In due season, he reaps... if he faints not!

Editor's Note: Bro. Berris is a pillar in the church. He team teaches in the Adult Sunday School class, ushers, and serves as a valuable asset to the Kingdom. Thank God for saints litke Bro. Berris!