Farming

2 Timothy 2-Part 4
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.  2 Timothy 2:6-7 NLT

The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. consider what I say: and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.  KJV


LET IT GLOW

In verse 7, Paul tells Timothy to give deep thought as to what he was writing.
Consider means to think upon, heed, ponder, clear perception, careful consideration.
Reflecting on these three, a pastor/Christian must be a focused soldier, a dedicated athlete, and a diligent farmer. The Lord will give "understanding in all things" as he ponders what he has been taught. Understand of the Scripture is one thing I need.

Matthew 13:12, NLT  states To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.

"Let it sink in" is how Liberty Bible Commentary puts it. How can it sink in without studying on the Word?
I shall meditate on these things as Joshua 1:8 says. I will listen to the Word's  instructsions.



LET IT GROW

For ten years we lived in the eastern part of our state. That area is fatlands and noted for its farming. Rice, soybeans, winter wheat, and cotton are the main crops grown. It is such a beautiful sight to see bright green fields of winter wheat surrounded by leafless trees and dead grass; wavy green rice fields; golden wheat waving in the wind; white cotton hanging onto dead plants; soybean plants turn from green to brown. The whole process is amazing. Oh, the size of the equipment used to work and harvest hundreds of acres at a time is astounding. You see, I grew up on a cattle and chicken farm, so I was not familiar with crop farming. That's why I was so intrigued by it. It was a totally new experience for me to see and observe.

The farmer knows just the right time to till the soil, plant the seeds, fertilize, water, and spray for insects. Not hours but days and weeks would be spent doing each task so there would be an abundant harvest. I remember being awakened on several Saturday mornings  by a crop duster flying over, back and forth, spraying fields in order to kill insects that were a danger to the plants. There were times we had to follow slowly behind a huge tractor pulling equipment while driving on a two-lane highway on the back roads. Without all of that, I wouldn't enjoy the food and clothes I have as a result of those farmers' hard work, to whom I am grateful.

The fourth example  Paul used to illustrate the life of a good minister/Christian is that of a farmer. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul compared the local church to a cultivated field in which all believers worked together. Each Christian has his particular task to perform, but it is God alone who give the increase. Here are some practical truths found concerning the farmer and his field:

1. A farmer has to work. Left to itself, the field mostly produces weeds. Christians work in their spiritual fields, sowing the seeds, which is the Word of God, encouraging and teaching Christian principles for life. As God multiplies that seed in peoples' hearts and lives, souls are saved and grow in faith. sometimes the harves is seen and sometimes not.
2. A farmer needs patience. A farmer does his part taking care of the seeds, waiting for plants, but he must wait for God to give the rain and cause it to grow, then a harvest to be produced. James 5:7 tells us about this. Spiritually, our harvest will be reaped in heaven. Challenges of pests, disease, frost, drought, or flooding can ruin the entire season's work. The farmer doesn't have a guarantee on a good return on his investment as the worker for Jesus does.
3. A farmer deserves his share of the harvest. This hardworker should be the first to benefit from his long hours of hard labor. Paul states here that a faithful pastor ought to be supported by his church. In 1 Timothy 5:18b, the laborer is worthy of his reward. the laborer is worthy of his reward. However, Paul gave up his right to support by the church. In 1 Corinthians 9:11, Paul asks, "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"

[Resource: Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe]

The spiritual leaders who share the Word with the people are the first ones to enjoy its blessings. More is recieved during prepration of a lesson or sermon than when it is actually heard or read. There is great joy in seeing planted seeds bear fruit in the lives of others. Just as farming is hard work, has its disappointments and challenges, and rewards, so it is in spiritual farming.


LET IT GO

Consider what Paul and the Lord is saying to me.

Diligently sow, water, and till the Word.

Patiently pray for a spiritual harvest.