The Harvest Is White: Planting the Seed

Last week, we began our November series, “The Harvest Is White,” by looking at the call Jesus gives each of us to go into the fields and share the Gospel. We were reminded that the fields are ready, the workers are needed, and the time is now. However, before there can ever be a harvest, something very important must take place. The seed must first be planted. The same is true when it comes to evangelism. If we want to see souls brought to Christ, we must first be willing to share God's Word with them.

In Luke 8:4–15, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower. A farmer went out to scatter seed, and as he did, the seed fell on different types of ground. Some fell along the wayside, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Each produced a different result. Jesus later explains that the seed represents the Word of God, while the different types of soil represent the hearts of those who hear it. This parable teaches us an important lesson about evangelism. Our responsibility is to spread the seed, but we cannot control the condition of the soil.

Sometimes we hesitate to talk to others about God because we are afraid of how they might respond or worry that we won't know what to say. However, sharing the Gospel doesn't have to be complicated. In Acts 8, Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading from the book of Isaiah. Acts 8:35 tells us, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.” Philip simply took the opportunity before him and shared Jesus. We don't have to have all the answers or know exactly what to say in every situation. We simply need to be willing to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for us. Our responsibility is to give people the opportunity to hear the Gospel, even when we don't know how they will respond.

We must also remember that growth often takes time. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Sometimes we may be the person who first introduces someone to Christ. Other times, we may be the one who encourages them, answers a question, or helps them better understand God's Word. We may never personally see the results of those conversations, but that doesn't mean the seed we planted was wasted. God can use our efforts in ways we may never fully realize.

As we continue this series, I want to challenge each of us to look for opportunities to plant the seed this week. Invite someone to worship, share a passage of Scripture, or simply have a conversation about your faith. Don't become so focused on whether someone will respond that you fail to give them the opportunity. We cannot expect a harvest from fields where we have never planted anything. So let's get busy planting, trust God with the increase, and remember that every soul is worth the effort.

Always remember that you are loved!

Eric