Harvest Fest

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.

(John 4:34-35 ESV)

I’m from a small town – the kind without stoplights and without fast food. There’s certainly no nightlife to speak of and 365 days could seemingly go by without much excitement whatsoever… except one night: Harvest Fest. Once a year, this small, agricultural community gets together and throws a gigantic party – a huge bash by any standard. This town closes its streets to make room for musicians and dancing. Even out-of-towners (and high school rivals!) drop by to help celebrate a season of hard work. No question, Harvest Fest is the biggest event of the year.

“Just so, I tell you,” said Jesus, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 ESV)

What joy there is in heaven when a sinner comes to Christ — an eternal Harvest Fest!

Hesitation at the Harvest

How is it then, that still there are times when I feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit and I hesitate? A fear that if I stepped out in faith, I’d be ridiculed, called out as different and be left out. Or a fear that I’d never really been the right person to do this, anyhow.

But what if I was nudged by the Holy Spirit and I said nothing?

What if, when confronted with these fears, our body of believers as a whole said nothing?

What if, when confronted with these fears, our body of believers always said something? What a revival that would be. What a harvest!

It has been said that courage is simply acting in the presence of fear. Take courage, then! Do you remember how gracious He was with you when you first believed? Has he forgotten you now?

Let’s pray for His guidance, and in that moment, His words will follow. It’s a step of courage, but say something when the Holy Spirit prompts you!

The fields are white for harvest, and you are one of His chosen workers. So, of course there is a part for you to play. And as you do, get ready to celebrate in the great Harvest Fest in heaven as people come to faith in Jesus.

Brian Jackson is President and CEO of Mighty Missouri Coffee Co., a coffee roasting company and cafe located in North Dakota, where he swims, bikes, runs, and does everything else he can to be outside. His faith journey has led him from adventures in the out-of-doors to adventures in entrepreneurism, and through it all he hopes his life points to someone greater.