Four ways to sow for the harvest

In an earlier post, we said one way to reach people for spiritual harvest is to pray for them. That is the first thing and the most consistent action we should be taking to show others the way to eternal life and freedom in Jesus. But let's look at other ways. How did Jesus reach people when He walked the earth?

Talking to the Samaritan woman at the well:
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10

Jesus knew people at the heart level. He spoke to this woman's deepest need. I believe what he says is not arrogance, but prophecy. He knew she would ask Him for the living water. Showing her sincere desire to understand, the woman questioned Jesus about the contents of the well and how He could possibly get living water for her.

The next thing Jesus does is speak in practical terms:
Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again." John 4:13


We can meet people with things they understand and with facts they can relate to. We drink, we get thirsty, we drink again, and on the cycle goes. But Jesus says the person who drinks of His living water will have a "fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14)

After revealing her life situation, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He reveals Himself to her, saying, "I AM the Messiah!" We must not rush people into a heartfelt decision for Jesus, but we must not delay. How can we know when the time is right? We listen to them, and we listen to the Spirit reveal His perfect timing.

What was the result of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well? She didn't walk back to her people, calmly and quietly replaying her interaction with Him. She raced back to the village so fast that she left her water jug at the well. And she didn't keep her new-found knowledge to herself. She told everyone she'd come face to face with the Messiah.

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" John 4:39


Then  they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:42

The Bible tells us that Jesus is love, and as He doesn't tolerate lies we know He spoke the truth. I believe His actions are prompted and characterized by love. The people He met recognized this, and the people you meet will recognize it, too. Speak the truth in love, waiting on the word of the Lord, and pray for the people you want to see added to the Kingdom. Then watch the Spirit move.

What would you do if you met Jesus face to face? Can you be a physical representation of His love and truth to anyone in your life?

Lambs In The Midst Of Wolves

"I have given them my word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."  John 17:14 - 15


Concern over someones spiritual well-being is not always appreciated.  Bigger than the resistance of some people to spiritual truth is the resistance of the evil one to the on-going work of God. When Jesus was praying for his disciples prior to his death, he acknowledged the on-going spiritual battle they would face as they sowed spiritual seed and worked along with Him in the harvest souls.  This battle guarantees disciples will be hated so Jesus also asked the Father to protect them.  


Today as we sow seeds in the lives of others, we can be encouraged that Jesus prayed for our protection and salvation.  He asked the Father to protect us and to bring us into glory with Him.  "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given Me, be with Me where I am, so they may see My glory which You have given Me before the foundation of the world." 

It encourages me to know that Jesus prayed for all believers from all historical ages; knowing the battles and needs we face even today.  Jesus prayed for our spiritual needs that will protect and keep us to the end of our lives when we face the Father.  Who will we pray and work for today?  

Blessings