A Hard Working Farmer

2 Timothy 2:6  
^“Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor” (NTL).

Paul has used the picture of the soldier and of the athlete, and now he uses the picture of the farmer. It is not the lazy farmer, but the farmer who works, who would be the first to receive the share of the fruits of the harvest. So what kind of character of a farmer which Paul would wish to see in the life of the Christian?

The farmer has learned to wait with patience so it is the same picture that the Christian has learned to wait with patience. A farmer knows that there are no such things as quick results. Often a Christian sows the good seed of the word into the hearts and minds of his hearers and sees no immediate result. A farmer watched with hope of a good harvest so does the Christian who watch and pray for a good harvest, whether win to soul or to watch a baby Christian to grow in grace.

The New Century Version quoted: “The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.” Like farmers, we work extremely hard and are patient. We keep going despite of suffering because of the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him. (Notes from QVLAB)

The book of James tells us this: “Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon” (James 5:7-8 ncv). This makes me think of two songs.

Song: Work, for the Night Is Coming”

1. Work, for the night is coming,

Work thro’ the morning hours;

Work while the dew is sparkling,

Work ‘mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter,

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man’s work is done.

(Lyrics: Annie L. Coghill, Sing His Praise)

Song: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

And we’ll be gathered home.

(Lyrics: Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise)

Let’s work until Jesus comes!

Dorothy