It may seem, in light of eternity and Jesus’ return, that it is a waste of time to be doing ‘earthly’ work like farming. It is easy to see the eternal significance of sharing the gospel or ministering to people’s needs. But at times it may feel pointless to work hard improving and stewarding the land when we will die and leave it behind to ultimately be destroyed by fire. We are also told to live in light of the imminent return of Christ. How can the fact that Christ could return today motivate me to work on cleaning up my garden for next season?
Here are a couple of thoughts that have helped me see the eternal significance of the farm work I do.
First, our faithfulness in this life will bring reward in the next. Jesus said, “He who was faithful with little, will be given more.” The man who was faithful with five talents was put in charge of five cities when the master returned. Even if Jesus comes in the middle of my growing season and I never get to harvest the crop I planted, it wasn’t a waste of time. Since I was found faithful with that small garden, I believe I will be put in charge of even more in the age to come. Whereas, if I give up investing in the things God had given me like my garden, then I will be found unfaithful in the little and will not be entrusted with much.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matt.25:21
Second, we are told to be found doing the work we were given to do when Christ returned, not having wrapped everything up and waiting around for Him. Jesus told us to keep watch because of his imminent return, not to wait. Waiting can be passive, watching is active. We must keep watch over ourselves so that we will not be found in disobedience and unfaithfulness when Christ returns. I believe Jesus will be more pleased if His return interrupts us in the middle of building a compost pile with our family then if he found us idly looking up into the sky waiting.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master find him doing so when he returns.” Matt. 24:45,46
Plus, there’s always that “take dominion” thing. 🙂
There is something profoundly rejuvenating to our lives when we present a faithful life to our family, friends, community and the world. Everyday, as we faithfully walk in the newness of God’s rich mercy, we experience peace like no other day. It is unique. Take away faithfulness and you take away peace. Good posting brother!
I love how God works. Part of my quiet time today was on Matt 25:34-40 which follows the scripture you posted.
Jesus gives us 6 ministries:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Provide drink for the thirsty
3. Care for stranger’s needs
4. Cloth those in need
5. Care for the sick
6. Visit those in prison
Think of how we can meet these ministries with our farming efforts!
That is beautiful – thank you! Very encouraging. Noah, my love to you, Dorothy, Enoch and Patrick. Ur sista in South Africa, waiting actively for the King.
God loves His creation, and has no intention of destroying the earth. Noah and the animals were promised that God would never again kill off the creation as He did with the flood (Gen. 8:21-22; 9:11-16). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (along with all their faithful seed-Jews & Gentiles) were/are promised eternal inheritance of the promised land (Gen. 13:15; 15:18; 17:8; 28:4; 35:12). David was promised a seed (Christ) that would rule as a literal King on the earth (2 Sam. 11:12-16; Isa. 9:6-7). Neither of these things have happened yet, as the resurrection of the dead needs to happen first. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” “…the meek shall inherit the earth…” “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.”
Thanks for that. I have often asked myself those very questions and not come up with satisfactory answers. I believe that God put the desire to be a farmer in my heart and so I act on it. It’s a hard thing to explain to others.
From Glory Farm,
Rhonda
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.… Col 3:23
We all have to make a living here on earth in order to eat and provide for our families. As long as it isn’t offensive to the Lord, and within the boundaries of the Word, we can take whatever we do and honor Him in it. We honor Him in taking care of our families, working hard, being good stewards. We should honor Him in how we conduct ourselves in everything we do and say, and in whatever happens to us – every conversation, every interaction, every thought. Honesty, integrity, faithfulness, good stewardship, compassion – all this applies to farming as well as finances and other areas of life. We honor God through good works along with our faith, for faith without works is dead. And we ought to be good ambassadors, serving Christ, living out the Truth as we are being transformed into the image of His Son, as we walk out our lives here on earth in submission and obedience to His Word in all things.
As far as ‘destroying the earth’ as mentioned above by another commenter, I will leave you with this scripture:
“By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3
Wisdom that is sweet to the soul comes from above. Praise to our Elohim!
I found your website by looking for Christian motivated gardening. YHWH has just recently opened a crop gardening job up to me and to be honest, I have never grown anything well! This is a beautiful site because it does emphasize our dependence on Him in all things, I believe the big task of taking on a field and producing crop for my family and others is a way He wants to grow me spiritually and enhance the love in my heart for His people. Thank you for posting your insights and sharing your walk with Him!