What does the farmer do?
Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. James 5:7
What does the farmer/planter do? First, he prepares the ground to receive the seed he is going to put into it. He does this by cultivating, watering and fertilizing it. Next, he puts the seed in the ground. After that, he doesn’t just walk away and come back in three months to get his harvest. He nurtures, protects and invests his time and energy into that seed especially after it become a living plant. He waters it if there is no rain, he makes sure no weeds choke it and he guards it so no animals or insects come to eat or destroy it.
Today’s passage say that we are to be patient while waiting and watching for the LORD’s return, just like the farmer waits for his precious fruit. James goes on to tell us how to do this. He say’s to be patient (at peace while you wait and watch) and establish your heart or attach it to God! Don’t grumble and complain against each other because your actions are counting toward eternity. . . good or bad. Then he finishes this by saying above everything, do not swear or make a vow by heaven or earth with an oath or promise but rather do and say what you actually have in your heart. In other words, be a person of your word. This is your reputation. So that others know you can be trusted.
Today I want to encourage you to be a farmer. Wait and watch patiently for the LORD’s return. As you watch for Him, attend to the seeds you have planted in others and nurture them by walking through life and encouraging those that are patiently watching too. We are not to just hold on and hold our breath until He gets here, we are to occupy more land/territory and bring more lives into the kingdom of heaven. Not just because we love our Heavenly Father, but because we love those around us too. This is how we truly express God’s love, by genuinely loving others.
Today’s scripture reading: James 5:7-12
The Daily Dose 