Topical Bible: The Harvest: (Cold In) of a Refreshing Message

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "The Harvest" in biblical literature is rich with spiritual significance, often symbolizing the culmination of God's work and the gathering of His people. In the context of a "cold in" or refreshing message, the harvest metaphor takes on a nuanced meaning, emphasizing renewal, restoration, and divine provision.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

The harvest is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, representing both physical and spiritual realities. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the harvest was a time of joy and thanksgiving, marking the end of labor and the beginning of rest and celebration. Spiritually, the harvest symbolizes the gathering of believers into God's kingdom, as seen in Jesus' parables and teachings.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the harvest in terms of evangelism and the urgency of spreading the Gospel: "Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest'" (Matthew 9:37-38). Here, the harvest represents the readiness of souls to receive the message of salvation.

The Refreshing Message

The notion of a "cold in" or refreshing message can be understood through the lens of spiritual renewal and encouragement. Proverbs 25:13 provides a vivid image: "Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters" . This verse highlights the invigorating effect of a faithful message, akin to a refreshing cold breeze during the heat of harvest time.

In this context, the refreshing message is the Gospel itself, which brings life, hope, and restoration to weary souls. It is the good news of Jesus Christ, who offers rest to the burdened and weary: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The Gospel is a source of spiritual refreshment, renewing the hearts and minds of believers and invigorating them for the work of the kingdom.

Application and Reflection

The harvest, as a metaphor for spiritual gathering and renewal, calls believers to participate actively in God's redemptive work. It is a reminder of the urgency of sharing the Gospel and the joy that comes from seeing lives transformed by its power. The refreshing message of the Gospel is not only for those who have yet to hear it but also for believers who need continual renewal and encouragement in their faith journey.

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be like the "trustworthy messenger" of Proverbs 25:13, bringing the refreshing message of Christ to a world in need. This involves living out the Gospel in word and deed, being a source of encouragement and hope to others, and trusting in God's provision and timing for the harvest.

In conclusion, the harvest, with its imagery of gathering and renewal, serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers engage in the work of the harvest, they are both refreshed by and become conduits of the refreshing message of Christ, bringing glory to God and hope to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What Doest Thou Here?
... idleness, or when we stand by in cold or timid ... Greek text]"fellow-labourers in the
harvest-field of ... in prayer, we may find those refreshing influences which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/vi what doest thou here.htm

Hymns, Festival and Occasional.
... The breezes, and the sunshine And soft, refreshing rain, All ... might glean For the
days when the cold of the ... your sheaves along, And in your harvest song Bless ye ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiii hymns festival and.htm

The Sower.
... It is a refreshing, satisfying sight; but, fair though it be ... The heart becomes cold
and empty. ... clean in spring and summer, bears fruit in harvest, some portions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

The Hidden Treasure.
... of the field is reaping a rich harvest from his ... promise and in subsequent prophecy
the refreshing water was ... had not been kindled in his cold, calculating heart ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/v the hidden treasure.htm

1 John iii. 18-Sep
... one of these little ones a cup of cold water only ... be not choked, but rather that
the harvest may grow ... a well of water" within, from which refreshing streams of ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily v 1 john iii.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... have received "the latter rain," "the refreshing from the ... blessing of God, not in
a cold, listless, lazy ... because the harvest of the field is perished." "All ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... They have received "the latter rain," "the refreshing from the ... the blessing of God,
not in a cold, listless, lazy ... because the harvest of the field is perished ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Field Hymns.
... are no acts of pardon passed In the cold grave to ... come, And share in the glory of
the harvest home? ... Revive Thy work, O Lord, And give refreshing showers; The ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xii field hymns.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... we were awakened from a long brain-refreshing sleep by ... our little delicate child,
we feared the cold night-air ... well, and there is prospect of a good harvest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5 ... of his
reasoning powers questions the truth that God has predestinated harvest as long ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm