Joel 3:13 Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow… All things are evidently tending to decay and dissolution. As there was an hour fixed from all eternity for the creation of the world, so there is an hour fixed for its dissolution. Many scriptural figures represent the brevity of human life, the frailty of man's existence. The text contains a prophetic description of the destruction of all God's enemies, who are represented as a field of corn. I. THE RIPENESS FOR THE GREAT HARVEST. There is a ripeness to which every one must attain. Even the wicked fill up the measure of their sin. The righteous are acquiring ripeness; and for this due preparation and daily cultivation are needed. True., thorns and briars spring up among the flowers; but they are only allowed to grow together for good and useful purposes. II. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES ALONE CAN FURNISH THE TRUE TEST OF THE RIPENESS REFERRED TO IN THE TEXT. Compare the condition of a sinner meet for destruction with the happy state of a soul ripe for the blessedness of eternal glory. Such a review must induce every one to pray that the life he lives in the flesh may be a life of faith on the Son of God; of conformity to the will of God; and of preparation for the judgment of God. III. WHEN THE CORN IS FULLY RIPE, THE SICKLE IS TO BE PUT IN. When our measure of sin and holiness is complete, we shall be reaped down: the saints will depart and be immediately with God. Address the undecided. (Nat. Meeres, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. |
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