The wave of frustration, burnout and suicide attempts amongst genuinely labouring servants of God, who fail to see the harvests of their labours grieves the heart. The Lord however speaks to such in our text of today, and I urge you to reflect on the truth presented here

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. John 4:35-38

The Lord Jesus rejoiced not just because of the coming of the people, but more in the fresh proof He had got of how people everywhere were waiting for the Messiah. Even the Samaritan was waiting, and, if the Samaritan, how much more the Jew! People were ready to run in any direction where they might find one to answer their expectations. That’s what and who you represent today. You are a reminder of:

• the harvest of what had been sown long ago. He did not forget His Father’s faithful messengers in ages past, with their testimonies, messages, travails, persecutions, and predictions; and
• knowing that what you are doing today is the result of the past because the valuable and gladdening things we have today did not spring up all in a night. Similarly, what you are doing today is laying a foundation for others to also continue. Knowing that reaping is not the kind of work spread over a long time, being reapers and co-reapers with Jesus Himself brings special recognition.

This is the reason for bringing this short word of gratitude and appreciation for your perseverance in commitment of precious time to the Kingdom work! And that’s why the writer of the book of Hebrews said to the pressured saints in Hebrews 6:10 –For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Whether or not we see the results of harvest that should accompany our sowing, what is more important for each true labourer is the admonition of Paul to the Philippians in Philippians 1:27-28 (NLT)

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.

So, beloved be encouraged. Thank you for giving yourself first to the Lord and then serving Him acceptably. The grace of our God be with you. Selah.

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Pastor Afolabi Oladele

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