Life’s Harvest

Jezreel means God will sow. But we must plow the fields. Edit Image Ox in a yoke pulling a plow mid 1700’sWhy do we plow? When a farmer plows they are bringing nutrient rich soil to the top while simultaneously burying weeds and nonessential foliage to replenish the nutrients below. In this process, trenches called furrows are made. These furrows will aid in the preservation of water by reducing rain runoff and evaporation. But what does this have to do with anything? Simple. For God to sow blessings into our lives we are required to first make ourselves habitable. We must take on the yoke of discipline and uproot our old self while bringing to light a new self that can be worked and produce a viable harvest. This transformation works in two ways. First, you bring out a new self through discipline by turning away from evil, too easy right? Second, you bury your past self. But you do not just totally cast out your old self, you bury it. And by burying it, I mean taking the lessons learned from your past, no matter how bad, and turn them into strength for your new self, shedding the skin of a victim and putting on the armor of a victor! But what about the furrows? I’m glad you asked! Your furrows represent wisdom (furrows can also be referred to wrinkles which have been look to as wisdom through the years). In this life we have rain, and seeds need water to germinate and thrive. The rain can be our hard times or it can even be a wise word from a friend/mentor. With wisdom, you are able to capitalize on more situations as you progress through life. Thus, allowing your harvest (blessing) to grow more efficiently. This is important because God has much to say about being unfruitful (cut off the branch and throw it to the fire John 15:6) and He also knows the best locations to plant (parable of the farmer spreading seed Matthew 13). So why would the Lord waste time on a lazy individual with an unworkable field? In conclusion, let’s take a good look in the mirror and honestly map out ourselves (our field). Is your field plowed and ready to sow, or is there a few barren spots that need to be worked? Either way, today is a good day to put on that yoke and improve your life and the lives around you. Because we are called to be rivers, not reservoirs. So when your harvest is great, turn around and bless someone else. -Alex Franks