GOD OF THE HARVEST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 9:37-38
Supporting Texts: Genesis 8:22, Galatians 6:7-9, John 4:35-38, Psalm 126:5-6, 2 Corinthians 9:10
INTRODUCTION:
Harvest is a biblical principle and a divine promise. It is the season of reward and manifestation of what has been sown—whether in prayers, labour, faith, or service. Throughout Scripture, God is revealed not only as the Giver of seed but also as the Lord of the harvest. He watches over every seed sown and appoints the right time for increase.
Our God is not only interested in sowing; He is committed to bringing in a bountiful harvest. Whether it’s spiritual, physical, emotional, or financial, God ensures that His people reap what they sow in due season. The harvest reflects His faithfulness, and the fields of this world are ripe for both blessing and salvation.
Understanding God as the God of the Harvest helps us walk in expectation, prepare diligently, and labour with purpose, knowing that our efforts in the Lord are never in vain.
1. GOD ORDAINED SEEDTIME AND HARVEST
Harvest is a divine law established by God Himself.
a) The Principle of Seedtime and Harvest Cannot Be Broken (Genesis 8:22)
As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest will never cease.
b) Every Seed Produces After Its Kind (Galatians 6:7)
God ensures that whatever a man sows, he will also reap.
c) Harvest Comes in Due Season (Galatians 6:9)
If we don’t give up, we will reap at the right time.
d) God Gives Both Seed and Increase (2 Corinthians 9:10)
He provides the seed and multiplies the harvest of righteousness.
Biblical Example: Isaac sowed in famine and reaped a hundredfold the same year because the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12-13).
2. THE HARVEST OF SOULS IS GOD’S PRIORITY
There is a spiritual harvest that matters more than anything else—souls.
a) The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest (John 4:35)
Jesus told His disciples that the time to reap souls is now.
b) We Are Co-labourers in God’s Field (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Believers are called to partner with God in the salvation of the world.
c) Labourers Are Few—God is Calling You (Matthew 9:37-38)
We must pray and also become willing vessels to reach the lost.
d) Evangelism is a Kingdom Harvest Assignment (Romans 10:14-15)
How can they believe unless someone preaches to them?
Biblical Example: Peter preached on Pentecost, and 3,000 souls were harvested into the kingdom (Acts 2:41).
3. THERE IS A TIME TO SOW AND A TIME TO REAP
Recognising seasons is key to receiving your harvest.
a) Discern the Timing of God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
There is a season for everything, including reaping what you sow.
b) Some Plant, Others Water—But God Gives Increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)
You may sow now, and another may reap, but all are part of the process.
c) Do Not Despise the Sowing Season (Psalm 126:5-6)
Tears now may lead to joyful reaping later.
d) Prepare for the Harvest Through Faith and Patience (Hebrews 6:12)
Faith and patience are required to inherit the promise.
Biblical Example: Joseph went through years of sowing in hardship but reaped a bountiful harvest as ruler in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-43).
4. GOD REWARDS FAITHFUL LABOUR IN HIS VINEYARD
God never forgets your service in the Kingdom.
a) Your Labour Is Not in Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Steadfast work in the Lord leads to a fruitful harvest.
b) God is a Rewarder of Those Who Diligently Seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)
He rewards both sowing in private and reaping in public.
c) Harvest Is the Result of Persistent Commitment (Luke 8:15)
The good ground produces fruit with patience.
d) The Harvest Is for God’s Glory, Not Self-Promotion (John 15:8)
When you bear much fruit, the Father is glorified.
Biblical Example: Ruth was faithful in gleaning, and God gave her Boaz and a lineage into royalty (Ruth 2-4).
CONCLUSION:
God is not unjust to forget your work. He is the God of the Harvest, who rewards obedience, labour, giving, and intercession. Whether it’s financial sowing, evangelism, acts of love, or spiritual sacrifices, know that your harvest is coming. But beyond physical blessings, the greatest harvest is the salvation of souls for eternity.
Stay faithful in your sowing, discerning in your timing, and expectant in your reaping. Your God is not slack concerning His promises. Every field you’ve watered with prayers and obedience shall soon be filled with abundant harvests.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to sow faithfully and wait patiently for my harvest.
2. Father, send labourers into the ripe fields of soul harvest in this generation.
3. Lord of the Harvest, let my efforts in Your Kingdom yield bountifully.
4. Let every seed I have sown in tears return with joy.
5. May I never miss my harvest season through carelessness or unbelief.
