Field of Souls
Introduction
Wayne Watson wrote a song that says, "We work the field of souls, together you and I, some fields are blooming now, other fields are dry. We are not the same, but, differences aside, we will work the field of souls, together you and I.
One shouts the gospel in the streets, for everyone to hear. And he is bold to everyone he meets and the word is loud and clear. And another cries alone and prays, in silence on her knees, before the throne day after day, where human eyes don't see."
Many believe that this Psalm was penned with reference to some great deliverance of the people of God out of bondage and distress, most likely their return out of Babylon in Ezra's time.
Warren Wiersbe said this passage magnifies the concept of sowing and reaping which is found throughout the Bible. It is a fundamental truth of life that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7). It is also a basic principle that we reap in proportion as we sow. (2 Cor 9:6-8). As believers, we need to be sowing the seed of His Word into the lives of others; unbelievers and believers.
I am encouraged in my challenge to you today from the Word. In James B. Twitchell's new book, Shopping for God, he said, "Any number of scholars have noted that, in recent years, it has been the churches that demand the most of people, tithing, bowing to firm doctrine, observing strict rules of conduct, that have grown the fastest. There seems to be something in our nature that requires from religion not just feel-good spirituality but strong moral direction. We are willing to make sacrifices to live by the dictates of a religiously grounded truth."
I. The Praise Within Us 1-3
A. Deliverance Was Not Anticipated 1
Note Psalm 137:1-5; "dream" - simply seemed too good to be true. Amazed at God's sudden intervention on their behalf.
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion..."
Early in Israel's history when they had served in a strange land for 400 years, it was not Moses, but God, Who brought them out of the land of Egypt. Moses was merely the human instrument for their deliverance.
B. Delight Was Acknowledged 2
The surrounding nations, some of whom hated Israel, were utterly astonished at this event and openly confessed that the God of Israel had done great things for them.
"If you can explain what is going on, God did not do it." Dr. Bob Cook
The world is waiting to see something extraordinary take place among the people of God.
C. Declaration Was Personalized 3
When our hearts are filled with grace our tongues should be filled with gladness. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt 12:34)
II. The Prayer For Around Us 4
Restoration was not complete. The partial fulfillment of divine promises should encourage us to continue praying for its completion. They are praying for those still in exile, asking God to fully restore their fortunes.
"as the streams in the south" (desert-Negev)
torrents; during the dry season the riverbeds would be exposed and empty; but when the rains came, the watercourses would be filled and overflowing.
The dry, empty watercourses in the desert are a good picture of our world today.
The Psalmist desires to see Israel returning, not as a mere trickle, but as a surging flood. Represents the sudden unleash of God's blessing.
III. The Promise From Above Us 5-6
The deliverance; the city was a sudden miraculous event, but the sending of the harvest is something gradual and natural. It was God alone Who delivered the city; but if there is going to be a harvest, God uses us in the fields. Somebody must plan, plow, sow, water, and reap.
This is one time the Lord expects us to do our part and share in the work. He works in and through us to accomplish His will.
We cannot have a harvest if we sit and do nothing. "A seed in the barn will not produce a harvest" Present sowing will determine the future harvest.
A. The Task
"He that goeth forth" - suggests a set purpose and an active worker.
A farmer works as though it all depends on him, but knows that it all depends on God (sun, rain, weather). Jesus said that the harvest is plenteous but the laborers (farmers) are few.
B. The Tears
"weeping" (v.5 "sow in tears") - the Lord's work is accomplished at personal cost and through self- denial. The tears are the water for the seed.
Example - Robert King cried for his brothers. Example - Jesus wept over a man, a city, and a nation
C. The Treasure
"bearing precious seed" - Luke 8:11, the seed is God's Word
1. This Seed Saves
Read 1 Peter 1:23, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever"
2. This Seed Strenghtens
Read 1 Peter 2:2, "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby"
D. The Thrill
"shall doubtless come again with rejoicing" (v.5 "shall reap in joy")
The tears of anxious labor give way to the gladness of harvest. Painful work often brings pleasant reward.
E. The Trophies
"bringing his sheaves with him" - if you sow precious seed, you are going to reap precious fruit
Daniel 12:3, "Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever."
Conclusion
He was going to be all that he wanted to be - tomorrow; None would be kinder and braver than he - tomorrow; A friend who was troubled and weary he knew
Who'd be glad for a lift, and who needed it, too,
On Him he would call and see what he could do - tomorrow.
Each morning he stacked up the letters he'd write - tomorrow, And thought of the clients he'd fill with delight - tomorrow; But he hadn't a minute to stop on his way, More time I will give to others, " he'd say - tomorrow." The greatest of leaders this man would have been - tomorrow; The world would have hailed him, had he ever seen - tomorrow. But, in fact, he passed on, and he faded from view And all that he left here when his life was through Was a mountain of things he intended to do, tomorrow.
Hymn - Bringing In The Sheaves
I was quoted by Tony Williams, "If we are going to win the world, it will take all of us." In our giving, inviting, going, and helping we are able to make a difference, together.