SOWING & REAPING 4 | WAITING

1. Sowing and reaping

a) Most of the Bible was originally written to those living in an agrarian society, people familiar with working the land, managing livestock, and raising crops. Many of Jesus’ parables involve the farming life. Not surprisingly, then, the Bible contains many references to sowing and reaping, and here are some of the principles we learn.

b) Found throughout Scripture, the idea of sowing and reaping is an important principle imparting wisdom for both this world and the next. 

2. Waiting

i) Nothing good grows overnight. The farmer must be patient in order to see the fruit of his labors.

ii) When the Bible likens the ministry to planting, watering and reaping (1 Corinthians 3:6), it suggests a length of time. God will bring forth fruit to His glory in His time. Until then, we faithfully labor in His field (Matthew 9:38), knowing that “at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9; see also Psalm 126:5).