As we left the story in John 4 last, the Samaritan women realized that Jesus was the Savior, the Messiah. With great passion, she left her water bucket behind and ran to tell everyone in the city. An unlikely missionary with a questionable voice; yet, God had sent her. She was a woman whose reputation forced her to go alone to draw water in the noonday sun. She was shunned by everyone and the one that all the town whispered about.
The disciples returned with food as the woman darted off. They wondered why Jesus had been talking to her; but, didn’t ask (as though they believed their thoughts were hidden from Christ). We know from the previous chapters that Jesus knew their hearts. He also knows our foolish questions, doubts, and fears. So, as they returned they encouraged Jesus to eat. Perhaps with a sense of pride and joy that they were returning with a gift for Jesus—the nourishment that He needed. Yet, His response once more puzzled them. Just like you and I so often are. They were focusing on the small picture—the here and now. Jesus was focused on the big picture—eternity. They offer Jesus the food and He replies, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” Well, they immediately begin to whisper among themselves, “Did someone else bring Him food?” Maybe what Jesus had was better? Maybe what the mystery person brought was better than what they had brought? Were they jealous? Were they disappointed? How often do we respond that same way to God? We bring in our tithes or we give up something and we stand waiting for God to pat us on the back and reward us. Have you ever done that? Then to find that God has a different plan?
WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?
Then Jesus answers them. He knew what they were whispering. He said, “My substance, my energizing source is doing the will of my Father.” They were talking about food that fed the body and Jesus wanted them to see the bigger picture which was feeding the spirit. He would later say, “31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6 AMP).
REAPING THE HARVEST
A greater harvest. While the disciples had gone to bring back food, Jesus had witnessed to one unlikely follower who was saved that day and then brought the entire village of whom many were saved. Jesus had planted a seed whose harvest was immediate. Sometimes in ministry it is that way. You plant a seed and see immediate results. Sometimes, you plant thousands of seeds and do not see even the tiniest of sprouts shooting forth beneath the ground. Perhaps it is watered elsewhere and many years later comes to life so that another reaps the harvest. Yet, the truth is: “neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth” (I Corinthians 3:7 AMP).
SO, DON’T GET DISCOURAGED.
[bctt tweet=”It is easy to get discouraged or to wonder if what you do matters; but, don’t. God sees your labor of love.”] Whether you are a mother planting the seeds of faith in your children, a father leading his family, a co-worker planting the seeds of faith at work, a writer planting your words onto a page to be sent out to the world, or a minister of a large church. Whatever, place God has sent you to plant or to water; God sees the labor. Keep planting, even when you don’t see the harvest. “5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126). The seed you have been given is very precious indeed. You may never see the results of your labor here; but, one day you will. Yet, seeing my precious Savior face to face is more precious than any other reward. I will rejoice in His harvest. Then I will realize that the labor was all His and I merely reaped the overflowing benefits of His abundant harvest.
The Song I chose for you today is Jesus Christ – His Hands
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. To obtain your own portrait, logo, or art design please contact Ronald Barba at the email below. If you can dream it, he can draw or design it for you. Do you want to surprise someone with an extraordinary special gift of a personal portrait? An idea for a book cover? Or a new logo? Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
Original Photo used was downloaded from unsplash.com (public domain photos)
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