Topical Encyclopedia Ploughing, an essential agricultural practice in biblical times, serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual diligence and perseverance. The act of ploughing involves breaking up the soil to prepare it for sowing, symbolizing the preparation of the heart to receive God's word. This process requires both attention and constancy, reflecting the spiritual discipline necessary for a fruitful Christian life.Biblical Context and Symbolism In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, ploughing was a familiar task, often mentioned in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths. The prophet Hosea exhorts the people, "Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and showers righteousness upon you" (Hosea 10:12). Here, the unplowed ground represents a heart that needs preparation to receive divine instruction and blessing. Attention in Ploughing Ploughing demands careful attention to ensure that the furrows are straight and the soil is adequately turned. Jesus highlights this necessity in Luke 9:62: "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" . This verse underscores the importance of focus and commitment in the Christian journey. Just as a farmer must concentrate on the task at hand, believers are called to fix their eyes on Christ, avoiding distractions that could lead them astray. Constancy in Ploughing The constancy required in ploughing mirrors the perseverance needed in the Christian faith. The process is not instantaneous; it requires sustained effort and patience. James 5:7 encourages believers, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and late rains" . This patience in waiting for the harvest is akin to the endurance needed to see spiritual growth and maturity. Spiritual Application The metaphor of ploughing invites believers to examine their spiritual lives, ensuring that their hearts are receptive to God's word. It calls for a diligent and unwavering commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and service. Just as a farmer must return to the field day after day, Christians are encouraged to persist in their faith, trusting that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in due time. In conclusion, ploughing, with its demands for attention and constancy, serves as a profound illustration of the Christian life. It reminds believers of the need for focused dedication and enduring patience as they seek to cultivate a heart that is fertile ground for God's transformative work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 9:62And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Resources Ploughing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ploughing of a Severe Course of Affliction Ploughing of Peace and Prosperity Ploughing of Repentance and Reformation Ploughing of the Labour Ministers Ploughing with an Ox and an Donkey Yoked Together Forbidden to the Jews Ploughing: (Attention and Constancy Required In) of Continued Ploughing: Difficulty of, on Rocky Ground Ploughing: Followed by Harrowing and Sowing Ploughing: Noah the Supposed Inventor of Ploughing: Performed by a Plough Ploughing: Performed in Long and Straight Furrows Ploughing: Performed with Oxen Ploughing: Performed: During the Cold Winter Season Ploughing: Performed: Generally by Servants Ploughing: Performed: Sometimes by the Owner of the Land Himself Ploughing: The Breaking up or Tilling of the Earth Related Terms Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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