Thursday, August 4, 2011
Mark 4:28 For the earth yields crops by itself.
WORK
Over half way through the work week, and what have we accomplished? The Lord certainly does give us things to do, but the accomplishments come from Him. A farmer can plant the seed, pull weeds, and harvest a crop, but to produce the crop he is powerless. He can feed and take care of the cow, but he cannot force her to produce milk.
For the earth yields crops by itself. These words surely do not exclude God, for He has created the earth, and sustains every living thing. But it shows that it is outside the realm of the farmer to produce the crop. He sleeps at night and rises by day. He has work to do, but the germination, the sprouting, the growing, and the ripening are not dependent upon his strength.
So it is also when we are ruled by God. He has work -- important work -- for us to do. We have a seed to plant. It is a powerful seed that can turn people from destruction and bring them to trust in a God whom they once considered their enemy. But all that we can do is plant and water and weed. It is not within our power to produce faith or sanctification, and when the fields are white with the harvest, even then all we can do is gather by the Spirit's Word those whom the Lord will gather.
In the end He will send His angels to gather His harvest to safety, but what a privilege it is that He lets us work in His field now and see some of His glorious fruit! It strengthens us to be exercised in His kingdom.
