Day 4 - Sowing the Seed
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
This lesson is one of at least 4 times I have been taken to the parable of the sower. The meaning of the story is found in Luke 8:11-15.
It has been pounding home part of the message in today's lesson where Beth Moore had a profound realization after visiting Africa and hearing this comment: "One of the most frustrating things is that in villages where they receive seed, they often eat the seed rather than planting it and bringing forth the harvest."
She went on to say "the seed of God's Word can fill our stomachs and give us immediate satisfaction but still not produce a harvest - that's when we eat it but don't sow it."
So how do we get to the harvest? First with obedience to God.
Galatians 6:9 So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
And also with faith and patience. Faith is knowing that the harvest will come. But what about patience? How do we apply patience? I looked up the definition and had my answer...
Patience
- the bearing of provocation (being provoked), annoyance, misfortune or pain and doing it without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation.
- an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay
- quiet, steady perseverance, even tempered care, diligence
Yeah, I think I need to memorize this definition right along with my memory verses!
No comments:
Post a Comment