Precious Fruit Of The Earth

The farmer was thrilled with his crop that summer. It was abundant. He had gathered in much produce already, now he waited for the fruit trees and the grapes. The fruit must not be picked too early or too late. The grapes also, for the wine depended on it. Each day he went out and touched, smelled, and carefully examined the precious fruit. Almost there. And finally, the day arrived. All his laborers were called… the harvest had come.

This is the truth of the days we’re in now… “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the Gardener waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until He receives the early and latter rain. You must be patient also. Establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is drawing near” (James 5:7,8). 

So many times through the years we’ve rejoiced over those who have come to faith in Christ, only to look at each other and say, ‘Aren’t you glad the Lord waited for these precious people?’ This is exactly why we’re still here. But fruit is fruit – even if it’s people. And the harvest will not be one day too early or one day too late. It will take place at the precise moment to bring in the greatest harvest – the harvest of souls. May we rest in the love and timing of our Great Gardener and keep sowing the seed of the Gospel.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)