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55. Accomplishing What Is Intended


Isaiah 55:6-13, 1 Cor.  3:1-9, & John 4:31-42
Key Verse: They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the savior of the world.” - John 4:42
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” - Isaiah 55:8

Well, weren’t the disciples in for a surprise when they returned from buying food in the village? Jesus was talking to a woman, and a Samaritan at that! The disciples had so much to learn. On this day, it would be their opportunity to learn how not to be practical. 

Just as the shepherds had done at Jesus’ birth, this woman could not keep her excitement to herself. After the disciples came back to Jesus, she was off to share with her neighbors what she had just experienced. “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4:29) Their curiosity drove them to find out for themselves. “He talked to her, even though He knew…”  They came and listened for themselves and believed. 

Walls were coming down.  Jesus wasn’t about to go anywhere.  In fact, he stayed put, right in the middle of dreaded Samaritan territory for two whole days so that he could talk to and love these cast off people, and the disciples stayed with Him.

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest.  (John 4:35B) Jesus was telling his disciples, “take off your blinders of prejudice.  Don’t you see, these are people, just like you, who need to hear the good news of a Savior.” 

For Jesus, the Samaritans, like the woman at the well, were lost souls who needed rescuing.  They too would be saved through the hearing of His word, which would not come  back to Him empty, but accomplish its purpose. 

Paul talks about breaking down divisions for the sake of the harvest of Christ. “You are still worldly.  For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?” (1 Cor.  3:3)  The disciples were learning how to think like Christ, the creator of all people. They had to learn how to put away the traditions of their prejudice and divisiveness and see all people in a new way, potential converts to Christ. 

Jesus was scattering seed and reaping a harvest all at once.  He was setting an example for the disciples, and us to follow.  We may not be as quick in reaping a harvest as Jesus was in this particular village, but are we scattering the seed?  Are we noticing those who are ripe for harvest?  Are we trusting in the seed of God’s word to accomplish its purpose when we are faithful to plant it?  Or, are our fears and prejudices holding us back?  “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  (Isaiah 55:10-11)  Our job is to obey, scatter, and let God work.  He is with you in the scattering!  May we all say as Jesus did, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” (John 4:34)  We may begin what others will finish, or finish what others have started.  May the sower, such as the woman in this case, and the reaper, who is ultimately Jesus, rejoice together that the Kingdom of God has increased through our obedience. 

Hymn: “The Lord Of Harvest” 

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