March 24, 2004



It May Be Spring
But, It’s Harvest Time!

“There are four months and then comes the harvest?”
(See John 4:34-38)

In this passage the disciples had gone into the city and not told anyone about Jesus. Why?

The disciples assumed that no one was interested in hearing about Jesus. How could they make such a mistake? The same people they had passed in the city came hurrying out to meet Jesus once they heard a testimony from the “woman at the well.” How did the disciples fail to see this harvest?

For starters, they were not the same as these people. The disciples were God-fearing Jews and these were heathen half-breeds; they were Samaritans. Maybe they were saying, “These people have no relationship with God and they are not interested in hearing from the disciples of Jesus.”

And, the disciples were busy—they had gone to get food their Master. They wanted to serve God—they didn’t have time for them. Maybe they were saying, “We can’t get side-tracked talking to these people. They are so far away from God. I must keep my focus, serving the Lord Jesus.”

We should not be too hard on these sleepy disciples. We have much to learn from this event. We can fall into the same trap of become just like them.

When we stop and ask, “What caused the people of Samaria to come running to Jesus?” The answer is really very simple. They heard the testimony of the woman whose life had been changed. When they heard it, they knew that she had found what they needed.

Who around you needs to hear your testimony? Who needs to hear of what you have found? Could it be that they are just waiting for you to tell them?
As we feel the evidence of Spring in the air, we are reminded of the joy that fresh new life can bring. It may feel like spring, but listen to what Jesus said:

“Lift your eyes and look….it’s harvest time!

Let’s pray this prayer together:

Father,
Forgive me for being too busy to notice. Forgive me for trying to serve You while missing the opportunity to tell others of Your mercy and grace. Forgive me for thinking they don’t want to hear.
I want to be a testimony of a changed life! May they see the evidence of Your grace living in me!

I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen