At home we have the incredible privilege of being able to see open fields from some of our windows. We are always in awe of our Creator and the ever changing landscape that he blesses us with daily, come rain or shine.
We have watched over the past year as the farmer of the fields around us has planted wheat, it has grown and developed throughout the year. In the spring and early summer it was such a beautiful green colour bringing real depth to the landscape. Over the last few months we have watched as it has gradually changed to an amazing golden colour, transforming the landscape.
A couple of weeks ago I walked across the fields and wondered to myself when and how it was all going to be harvested, thinking what an immense job it would be. Early that same evening we watched as the combine harvesters sprung into action, going up and down the fields. As it began to get dark,the harvesting continued, with headlights lighting up their way. At 11pm they were still going. What amazed me was the speed and urgency that they went about the task. Headlights lit up the fields, lorries arrived to collect the grain, it was a real hive of activity. In the morning all the fields had been harvested and we could see piles of straw lined up waiting to be made into bales.
I wondered why the urgency? And then we had 2 or 3 days of heavy, stormy rain. The farmer had seen the weather forecast, he knew if he didn’t harvest his crop when he did, it could be damaged and spoiled.
It got me thinking about the spiritual harvest that as Jesus followers we’re all called to be involved with every day.
How do we view the job of harvesting? Are we as urgent about it as this farmer? Do we look for the signs and move with urgency? Or, are we complacent, thinking that it can wait until another day, or that someone else will do it? If the farmer hadn’t acted as he had, all of his crop could have been ruined.
I know to live in this place of continued urgency would be exhausting on our own and not sustainable for long. However we don’t harvest alone, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. But surely he can only do this if we are not apathetic and complacent about the harvest.
We are called to have a sense of urgency about those who don’t yet know him, to be watching the spiritual weather forecast, to be ready to take every opportunity he brings our way. We are called to listen to and act upon his promptings, not thinking that it can wait for tomorrow or next week because I’m busy and it’s not convenient right now.
I don't know about you but I am challenged to change my mindset on this, I need to be watching, ready and willing to act right now, with urgency. I need to put aside myself, wake up and be urgent.
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”
John 4:35 NLT
Claire Prestwich