THE LAW OF THE HARVEST

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
[16] “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we FIX OUR EYES not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Another important stone in our foundation, whatever our age, is what I call “the long look”. No one sets out on a journey without a destination in view and a plan of the route by which to reach that goal.

Yes, some people wander aimlessly through life with no idea where they are going or how to get there. Some foolish people choose a path that they know will lead to destruction and loss, but they follow it anyway. They are so bent on enjoying the pleasures of sin that they refuse to take the long look. They try to dodge as much responsibility, hardship, or suffering as possible and hope that everything in their lives will turn out well in the end.

There is, built into God’s rule in His world, a law that determines where we will end depending on our choices. It’s called “the law of the harvest”. Like the law of gravity, it’s useless trying to defy the way God works. Our harvest, our destination if you like, depends on what we sow or where we plan to end. Everything that happens in between depends on the direction we choose.

Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
[7] “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Let’s look at it like this. If we want a harvest of wheat, planting the seeds of “weeds” will not produce wheat. If we want a destiny of eternal bliss, planting the seeds of careless living, gratifying only our sinful desires, will never take us to the Father’s house.

It takes careful planning of our destination and route and faithfully following that plan, despite obstacles and setbacks, to reach our destination. It takes planting the right seeds of choices and behaviour to reap the harvest we desire. Only fools do the same thing and expect a different outcome.

So, what stone must we include in our foundation that will guarantee our desired destination?

Paul gives us sound counsel.

When we take the long look, we refuse to allow any distractions or disruptions to blur our vision of our eternal future. At all times, despite the tests and trials along the way, we keep in mind that these struggles are temporary. However bad these may seem at the moment, they are nothing compared with what lies ahead for those who persevere to the end.

We have God’s infallible promise…

Revelation 21:4 NIV
[4]”He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, +or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

With a future free of struggle, sorrow, or trial, we can fix our eyes on what is to come. We can be sure that we will pass safely through every dark valley. Our Shepherd has promised to be with us to the end.

Let’s put this stone securely in place and stand on its promise. We have a secure destiny no matter what adversities we face on our way to the Father.