Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/19

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:16-23 Galatians 6:6-9 Matthew 4:19 2 Corinthians 5:20 2 Kings 19 Isaiah 37 Zechariah 3:2 Matthew 5:14 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Psalm 119:11 Psalm 126:1-6

Happy Harvesters

Read Psalm 126:1-6

The context of this psalm is II Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, when Hezekiah, king of Judah, was attacked by Sennacharib and the Assyrian forces. The enemy forces surrounded Jerusalem, so the Jews had to protect their food supply. They already had lost an entire season of sowing and reaping. Grain was precious. When the people went back to their farms after being delivered, they had to make a decision. Should they use the grain to feed the children, or should they sow it? The farmer wept because his sustenance had to go into the ground (v. 6).

All of us are sowers and reapers. What must we sow to be happy harvesters?

First, sow the seed of the Gospel. The Bible contains many pictures of witnessing (II Cor. 5:20; Zech. 3:2; Matt. 4:19; 5:14). Reaching people with the Gospel is like farming. It requires cooperation, because one sows and another reaps. Are you a part of the harvest? We need to pray for the harvesters. You may be weeping today over unsaved loved ones, but one day you will rejoice (Gal. 6:9). Those who sow the Gospel will be happy harvesters.

Second, sow your wealth to the glory of God. The way we use our money is like sowing seed. We reap in the measure that we sow (II Cor. 9:6-11). Many people are wasting money on foolish things, while missionaries are waiting for support, and churches are waiting to be built or expanded. Paul says we can be a happy harvester if we sow the seed bountifully.

Third, sow to the Holy Spirit of God (Gal. 6:6-8; 5:16-23). How do we do this? We take the things of the Spirit and put them into our hearts. When we memorize and meditate on the Word of God (Ps. 119:11), we cultivate a spiritual harvest. The heart is like a garden, so we must weed it. That's repentance. Take time to be holy, to pray, to meditate on the Word and to plant the seed in your heart.

* * *

You are sowing today in all you do; be sure you sow the right seed.

Psalm 126:1-6 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 126:1 Or LORD brought back the captives to
2. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
3. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives