DAY 6: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-6
A FARMER
Read 2 Timothy 2:6.
Growing up in a farming community, I learned that the work involved in raising crops was more than a dusk to dawn job. I had a friend who would get up before school to do work in the fields and then at night, the last thing he would do before going to bed was drive to the various water irrigation valves around the fields and shut them off for the night. His dad, of course, did all the real labor, but as a kid, I always admired his willingness and hard work… perhaps something that would benefit all youths.
Today’s passage tells us that the hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. After all, he isn’t working for nothing. There is at the end of a hard day – and a string of hard days at that – the reward of fruit. Paul’s point here is that we cannot expect to see any eternal fruit from our lives if we are unwilling to work hard. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops, but the slothful worker will have nothing to eat at the end of his sleep.
For the last several days, an exclamation point has been put on the need for determination, focus, discipline, and hard work to carry out God’s mission. There is no doubt that there will be great sacrifices made in the process. What soldier, athlete, or farmer doesn’t sacrifice some part of his or her life in the pursuit of God and His purposes?
We live in a culture full of distractions. While it is has been said we are creatures of habit, it is equally true that we are creatures of comfort. That oftentimes goes against the call of God. There is nothing wrong with comfort, but if it becomes one’s pursuit, then the kingdom will take a back seat. At the same time we don’t purposefully seek to suffer either. Doing the work of the kingdom will bring enough suffering on its own!
To consider: What have you had to sacrifice in order to do the work of God (family, friends, material possessions, a nice yard, etc.)? How have you “received a share of the crops” in your work? (i.e. How have you seen God honor your efforts?) Take note of those rewards and thank God for allowing you the privilege of experiencing them now, knowing He could have waited to reward you later in eternity.
