Glancing at a new issue of National Geographic last night, my interest was peaked by the title “Where Food Begins.” I’ve become very interested in the concept of ‘harvesting’ and the articles inside the magazine offered some new perspectives for me on the subject. The author of one article describes attending a farm show where dealers displayed–in hopes of selling–huge harvesters. These giant machines aid present-day farmers in the cornfields of Wisconsin and the like. The author expressed concern over the work of these machines, however. He says, “Big, heavy machines like the harvesters mash wet soil into an undifferentiated, nigh impenetrable slab–a process called compaction. Roots can’t penetrate compacted ground; water can’t drain into the earth and instead runs off, causing erosion. And because compaction can occur deep in the ground, it can take decades to reverse.”
It makes me think of these verses in Matthew 13:
“The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.”
And so I pray…
Lord of the harvest, I am amazed at the work of your hands. We praise you and stand in awe as you tend the fields and prepare a harvest that will bring glory to your name. Lord, I ask that as you send harvesters into the fields. that you equip us to be sensitive and make us mindful of our steps. As laborers for your Name and your glory, help us to love as Jesus loved and to be filled with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as your Spirit enables. Keep us in step with you so that we might not be compacting harvesters…but gentle harvesters.
Father, I ask also that you send laborers who will invest and be mindful of how your Word is received. Lord, in Jesus name, we ask that your Word take root. Prepare hearts and protect hearts. Your word says that you will replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. We ask Father for redemption and restoration and for soils that will receive the roots of your word and the living water that you give. Thank you for giving your laborers discernment and gentleness as we enter the harvest fields. In Jesus name, Amen.
CONVERSATION