Fields White for Harvest: The Call to Readiness
Fields White for Harvest: The Call to Readiness
September 1—Morning—Acts 3:16
"And his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong."—Acts 3:16.
My soul, begin this month as the Lord in mercy has enabled you to begin some of the months that have passed, by making the name of Jesus your theme. Let his name be like ointment poured forth, whose fragrance will strengthen you, just as it made the lame man whole. And as the Lord has opened a new month to you in grace, take up his name, through faith in his name, in praise and prayer. Be diligent, my soul, to use his name throughout the month, and indeed for all of life, in every situation, in every need, in every moment.
Depend on this: his name will meet all your needs. Whatever your necessities, in Jesus's name there is a provision for all. Are you poor? He is rich. Are you sick? He is your health. Are you weak? He is strong. Are you sinful? He is the Lord your righteousness. In everything and in every way, for all reasons and on all occasions—his name, through faith in his name, is the universal solution, the everlasting remedy, the supply, comfort, and strength for all.
Jesus has everything and all things, and he has them for his people. Oh then, my soul, look to Him and his name for the grace suited to every time of need! As the Psalmist sweetly reasons—he will, nevertheless, (despite all your unworthiness, this "nevertheless" remains in the covenant), he will save for his name's sake, so that he might make his mighty power known.
September 1—Evening—John 4:35
"Do you not say, 'There are still four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest."—John 4:35.
My soul, this month has begun most graciously, and the season of the year is very significant; all the reapers of the fruits of the earth are now busy in the fields, gathering in the food that perishes. Oh, let it never be said of you, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and you are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20). Pause, my soul, over the sweet words of Jesus, in the evening and cool of the day, and consider their meaning. Just as in nature there is a seed time and harvest, so it is in grace. And we are told that the Lord has given "the appointed weeks of harvest."
What season are you in now? Surely, you have reached the time of ripening. How will you recognize this? Is there not a similarity here between nature and grace? As ripened grain becomes fuller, heavier, golden, and weighty, and in its ripeness bends closer to the earth, so does the child of God. The more prepared they are for the heavenly storehouse, the more they are filled with spiritual attainments; becoming lower in their own eyes, with Jesus becoming increasingly precious and exalted. And when the Lord gives the signal for His harvest, He comes to the grave like a "shock of corn in full season."
Precious Lord of the harvest, I ask you, continue your work in my heart, and let your kingdom there be as you have described it, where the good seed is cast into the ground, and it springs up and grows, though no one knows how. Oh, prepare me for the harvest, so that when, at your command, the angel of death puts in the sickle, I may be gathered into your storehouse in heaven! Amen.