The Will of Him Who Sent Me
Date: May 22, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: John 4:34-38 (NIV): "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Heavenly Father, as I approach Your Word, I ask for Your guidance and insight. Open my ears to hear what You want to speak to me through John 4:34-38. Teach me the significance of doing Your will and being diligent in the work of the Kingdom. Help me understand the harvest that is ripe and the joy of reaping the benefits of others' labor. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John to provide an account of Jesus' life, teachings, and ministry. In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after encountering the Samaritan woman at the well. He explains the spiritual nourishment He receives from doing God's will and highlights the urgency of the spiritual harvest. Jesus emphasizes that His purpose and satisfaction come from doing the will of the Father and completing the work assigned to Him. He encourages His disciples to recognize the readiness of the spiritual harvest, urging them to open their eyes and see the opportunities around them. The saying "One sows and another reaps" reflects the collaboration between different stages of ministry, acknowledging that some have laid the groundwork while others enjoy the results of their labor.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Do the will of him who sent me" underscores Jesus' obedience to the Father's plan and His commitment to fulfilling it.
"Ripe for harvest" signifies the spiritual readiness and urgency of the people to receive the message of salvation.
"One who reaps" refers to those who are actively involved in gathering the spiritual harvest.
"Sower and reaper may be glad together" expresses the joy and unity between those who have sown seeds of faith and those who reap the benefits.
S - Summarize and Share: Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." Can you feel the passion in His words? He found ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in carrying out the Father's plan.
You know, sometimes we can get caught up in the busyness of life, focusing on our own desires and agendas. But Jesus reminds us to open our eyes and see the ripe fields around us. There are people hungry for the good news, waiting to be touched by God's love and grace. It's time to take notice.
Jesus tells us that the harvest is ready, and He invites us to be part of it. Some have already sown seeds of faith and laid the groundwork for us. It's our turn to reap the benefits of their labor. How incredible is that? We get to join in the joy of bringing others into the Kingdom and experiencing the fruits of their spiritual growth.
Let's be intentional in doing God's will and finishing the work He has assigned to us. Let's open our eyes to the opportunities before us, reaching out to those who are ready to receive the message of salvation. We're not alone in this journey. We're partnering with others who have faithfully sowed seeds of faith, and together, we can rejoice in the harvest.
The harvest is calling. Are you ready to respond? Let's step out in faith, sharing God's love, and pointing others to Him. It's time to be active participants in the spiritual harvest, knowing that our efforts contribute to the eternal work of God's Kingdom.
Bible Cross References:
Matthew 9:37-38: "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 field.'"
1 Corinthians 3:6-9: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."
Luke 10:2: "He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."