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… I. THE SALVATION OF SINNERS IS THE WILL OF GOD AND THE DELIGHT OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is manifest from — 1. The provision He has made for effecting it. 2. The place it has borne in the eternal counsels. 3. The preparation of infinite wisdom and almighty power in overruling the affairs of the world. 4. The succession of great men inspired to fore-announce it. 5. The manner in which it was carried into execution by the incarnation and cross of Christ. II. THOUGH THE GOSPEL IS AT ALL TIMES NECESSARY FOR SALVATION, CERTAIN PERIODS ARE PECULIARLY FAVOURABLE TO IT. 1. Always necessary because — (1) It is the means appointed by Christ. (2) Because of its proved fitness. (3) Because God is to have all the glory. 2. Sometimes specially seasonable. (1) As here. The providence of God had over-ruled the envy of the Jews to the driving of the Saviour into Galilee and His going to Galilee to lead Him through Samaria; when He meets with the woman, who, saved herself, summons her fellow citizens to Christ. (2) As in the case of modern missions. What doors have been opened by the abolition of slavery, the progress of commerce, etc. III. WHEN SUCH A PERIOD ARRIVES CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED UPON TO EMBRACE IT AS A HARVEST TIME. Such a seasonal. Must be immediately embraced. Its duties cannot be put off to a more convenient season. It is now or never. Men are crying for the words of life. If we refuse, the curse of Meter will be ours. 2. Must be diligently pursued: from various considerations. (1) The shortness of the season. (2) The precariousness of the weather. (3) The ripeness of the crops. Idleness, amusements, in harvest time! 3. Should be joyfully performed. Harvesting is hard work, but there is much pleasure in it, and it is generally performed with cheerfulness. IV. BOTH SUCCESS AND REWARD WILL CROWN THE FAITHFUL LABOURER. 1. One of the greatest stimulants to labour is the probability of success, but here success is certain. 2. The almighty influence of the Holy Spirit is behind it. 3. It is assured by the pledged word of the Lord of the harvest. (J. Gwyther, B. A.) 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. |
    |