God’s Glory in Your Harvest

26 JANUARY 2025

Scripture Reference: Mark 4:26-29 “He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it because the harvest has come.’”

 

Introduction

The glory of God is evident in every part of our lives, including our spiritual harvest. Mark 4:26-29 tells the parable of the growing seed, illustrating how God’s kingdom operates. Just as a farmer sows seeds and waits for the harvest, God works in our lives, cultivating spiritual growth and preparing us for the blessings He has in store. However, a bountiful harvest requires faith, patience, and obedience to His Word. Today, we will explore five key points about experiencing God’s glory in our harvest and how we must prepare ourselves by dying to the flesh.

Digging into Your Character According to the Bible

A true and godly harvest is only possible when we cultivate a character that aligns with God’s Word. Colossians 3:5 instructs us to put to death earthly desires such as immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Similarly, Galatians 5:19-21 warns us against sinful behaviors that separate us from God’s kingdom.

Colossians 3:5  “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”

 Galatians 5:19-21  “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

• Self-Examination: Before expecting a harvest, we must evaluate our hearts and remove anything that does not reflect God’s nature.
• Repentance and Renewal: Genuine repentance allows us to align with God’s will and prepares our hearts for His blessings.
• Walking in the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” By cultivating these fruits, we prepare for a godly harvest.

Galatians 5:22-23 teaches that by cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we prepare for a godly harvest.

If we truly desire to see God’s glory in our harvest, we must continually submit ourselves to His refining process and live in obedience to His Word.

1. Sowing Seeds of Faith and Obedience.

Before experiencing a harvest, we must first sow the right seeds. In Mark 4:26 “He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.’”

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a man scattering seed on the ground. This represents the Word of God being planted in our hearts and actions.

• Faith: Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  reminds us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our actions should reflect our trust in Him.
• Obedience:

 Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.” Just as a farmer follows proper techniques to ensure growth, we must follow God’s instructions, living according to His Word.

• Expectancy:

2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

 When we sow in faith, we should expect a harvest. God’s promises are sure, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. When we plant seeds of righteousness, love, and generosity, we invite God’s glory into our lives, ensuring a fruitful harvest.

2. Trusting the Process of Growth.

Mark 4:27 “Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.”

 This Bible Verse  highlights that after the farmer sows the seed, it grows even while he sleeps, illustrating that growth happens in God’s timing.

• Patience: Just as seeds take time to sprout, God’s blessings do not always come immediately. James 5:7 James 5:7 “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”  urges believers to be patient like a farmer waiting for the valuable crop.

• Unseen Growth: Though we may not see immediate results, God is working behind the scenes, refining us and preparing us for His glory. Philippians 1:6  “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

• Divine Timing: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” teaches that there is a season for everything. God knows the perfect time to bring forth our harvest.

Trusting God’s process and allowing Him to work in His own time brings peace and assurance that our harvest will come.

3. Removing the Weeds of Sin and Fleshly Desires.

For a healthy harvest, weeds must be removed. Colossians 3:5 and Galatians 5:19-21 warn us about sinful behaviors that hinder our growth.

• Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
• Galatians 5:19-21: Lists the works of the flesh, including impurity, hatred, jealousy, and selfish ambition, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
• Dying to Self: Just as a farmer removes weeds, we must surrender our fleshly desires to God, repenting and walking in righteousness. Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” When we remove sin from our lives, we create fertile ground for God’s glory to flourish and for a plentiful harvest to be reaped.

4. Preparing for the Harvest with Diligence and Prayer.

A farmer does not simply wait idly; he prepares his storehouses for the harvest. Likewise, we must prepare spiritually.

• Prayer and Fasting: Strengthening our faith and seeking God’s direction (Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” , Isaiah 58:6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.”).
• Consistency in the Word: Meditating on God’s promises and keeping them in our hearts (Joshua 1:8 “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”).
• Acts of Service: Demonstrating faith by serving others and being faithful in small things (Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”). Preparation is key to ensuring that when God’s blessings arrive, we are ready to receive and steward them well.

5. Reaping the Harvest for God’s Glory

Mark 4:29 states, “As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” When the time is right, God brings forth the harvest for His glory.

• Spiritual Maturity: A true harvest is not just material blessings but a deepened faith and transformed life.
• Kingdom Impact: Our harvest should bless others and advance God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 9:10-11 “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”).
• Gratitude and Stewardship: Acknowledge God as the source of every blessing and use it for His purposes (“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18). When we receive our harvest, it is important to give God the glory and use what He has given us to bless others.

 Encouragement

God’s glory in our harvest is a process that requires faith, patience, and preparation. By sowing in obedience, trusting His timing, removing sin, preparing spiritually, and reaping with wisdom, we position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings. Mark 4:26-29 reminds us that the kingdom of God operates on divine principles—when we align ourselves with His will, we will see His glory manifest in our lives.

Let us take this message to heart, committing ourselves to spiritual growth and righteous living, so that we may experience the fullness of God’s harvest.

Conclusion

As we reflect on God’s promises, it becomes clear that our journey toward a fruitful harvest is not one of instant results, but a process of continual growth and alignment with His will. The process of sowing in obedience, trusting His perfect timing, and patiently waiting on Him refines our character and deepens our relationship with Him. Every step we take in faith, no matter how small, is part of a larger divine plan that is unfolding in our lives. We may not always understand the reasons for our trials or delays, but we can trust that God’s ways are higher than ours and that His purpose is always good.

In the midst of waiting, let us not grow weary or lose hope. Instead, let us be steadfast, allowing the challenges to shape us into the individuals God desires us to be. He is working behind the scenes, cultivating the soil of our hearts and preparing us for the harvest that will come in His perfect time. The fruit of our obedience, faith, and spiritual preparation will not only bless our lives but will bring glory to God, drawing others closer to Him through our testimony.

As we wait for the harvest, let us remember that God’s faithfulness endures forever. His promises are sure, and His love never fails. Let this truth encourage you today: the harvest is coming, and it will be more abundant than we could ever imagine. Keep sowing, keep trusting, and keep preparing, for the Lord of the harvest is with you every step of the way. May His glory be revealed in your life in ways beyond what you can imagine.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of a bountiful harvest in our lives. Help us to sow seeds of faith, obedience, and righteousness so that we may reap a harvest that glorifies You. Teach us to trust Your timing, even when we do not see immediate results. Strengthen us to remove the weeds of sin and fleshly desires, walking in holiness and purity. As we prepare for the harvest, give us wisdom and discernment to steward Your blessings well. May our lives be a testimony of Your faithfulness and goodness. We surrender every part of our journey to You, knowing that You are the Lord of the harvest. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

God bless you abundantly.