Finding the Way Home
The eNewsletter Archive

Below is the archived version of Tom Sherrod's eNewesletter "Finding the Way Home." If you would like to be added to to mailing list, please send a blank email to evangelism-subscribe@worthingtoncc.org.

You may also view our archived articles here.

October 2009

Harvest time is here!

Driving through the back roads of Licking County this week I saw trees covered with apples, fields glowing with orange pumpkins, corn stalks and hay bales stacked by the barns. What a wonderful time of the year!

All of this caused me to think about the harvest in my own life. I re-read Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 where Jesus compares himself to a farmer sowing the seed of His word into the hearts of people.

Some of the seed fell on hard hearts. Some fell on shallow hearts. Some fell on worldly hearts. In each of these cases the seed was unable to sustain growth and the result was a barren field. But some of the seed fell on good, fertile soil. This seed found a place for growth and ultimately produced an abundant harvest.

Reading this parable again I was reminded of a thrilling truth: If our hearts are right the Lord will produce a harvest in our lives.

First, there will be a harvest of salvation. We all wrestle with sin and guilt and the devil. But Jesus rescues us out of the dominion of darkness and blesses us with redemption – even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

Second, there will be a harvest of relationships. We all struggle in this area too. But in Jesus we discover ways to put aside our bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander and malice. The result is more meaningful, loving relationships built on kindness, compassion and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Third, there will be a harvest of character. We’ve all looked in the mirror and wanted to be a better person. In Jesus our character bears the God-like fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Fourth, there will be a harvest of hope. We have all been discouraged and felt the pain of despair. But Jesus gives us hope – eternal hope – centered around an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade away waiting for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Harvest time in central Ohio is certainly wonderful, but having the Lord’s harvest in our hearts is so much better. Praise be to the Lord of the harvest!