John 4:35-38 Say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields… Not unfrequently does the Bible represent the great work of the moral reformation of the world by that of husbandry. I. THE SERVANTS OF GOD SHOULD EARNESTLY SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SPIRITUAL CULTURE OF MAN. Don't think the work distant, to be waited for, it is present and must be attended to at once. 1. Moral seasons are not like material ones, beyond our agency. We cannot hasten the months of harvest. Years come and go irrespective of our choice or effort. But in the moral domain you can change temperature, create seasons, turn foul weather into fair, and make a moral November as bright and genial as June. "Say ye not then." Make no excuses. 2. The feeblest honest effort to improve the world will develop encouraging symptoms to persevere. Christ's conversation with the woman stirred the heart of the whole city. True thoughts increase the soul's appetites and supplies. The more you give the more you need. II. A LONG SUCCESSION OF AGENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE SPIRITUAL CULTURE OF MANKIND. "One soweth, another reapeth." "Paul plants, Apollo waters." John sowed seeds for , he for , he for , he for Anselm; Bernard for Tauler, Luther for Calvin, he for Chemnitz; Wickliffe for Tyndale, and he for Coverdale, etc. This suggests — 1. The moral connection of the race. Man transmits his principles as well as his nature. 2. The slow progress of moral principles. Humanity requires ages for the full appreciation of great truths. 3. The humble part which individuals play in the history of the world. What we sow may not appear till we are gone. We pluck a few ripe ears, drop a seed or two and then pass on. 4. Results are not the right rules for conduct. We see more the effects of other men's labours than our own. We have to do with work, consequences must be left to God. III. THERE IS A VITAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALL TRUE WORKERS IN THE SPIRITUAL CULTURE OF THE WORLD. 1. In working out one grand purpose. Whether they reap or sow. 2. In participating in the same rewards. In the universal rejoicing there will be no under-rating of the humblest, and the greatest will not glory in himself. Each will rejoice in another's labours rather than his own, all ascribing their achievement to all inspiring love. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. |
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