Your good works won't get you into Heaven, but they very well could help to get someone else in!!!

Psalms 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

We've been thinking about sowing and reaping, but I don't think we really get the full impact of this parable. Most people nowadays know very little about farming or gardening. I know enough to know that it is not easy. I remember working on the farm as a young boy. It was hot, hard work. People don't take up farming as a career because they want to kick back and relax.

Likewise, working for God is a constant struggle. We struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Much like a farmer fights the elements, a Christian must fight the forces of evil. God doesn't offer instant gratification. We must be faithful and leave the timing to Him. Christ doesn't care about making us comfortable or happy, He cares about making us useful and fruitful.

It is true that our daily walk is not easy, but we must also remember that it is worth it. It is worth every tear we cry. It is worth every battle we fight. It is worth every hardship, heartache, and humbling experience we encounter. When we reap the harvest for the seeds we've sown, we will be grateful for every stump and rock we had to dig out. We won't regret working for the Lord and we won't fail to be rewarded for one bit of effort exerted for the glory of God.

The seed the Christian is called to sow is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must share the good news with others. The main work of the Christian is evangelism. We do this to bring glory to God. He is glorified when we faithfully obey his command to "preach the Gospel to every creature".

When I read these verses I noticed 3 things;

1. THE SACRED ASSIGNMENT (our work is not natural, it’s supernatural) God's work goes against our self-serving nature.
A. UNDERTAKING ( He that GOETH FORTH) we must start, get up and go
B. UNDERSTANDING (TEARS; WEPETH - seeing the urgency of sharing the Gospel) (BEARING - doing whatever it takes, )

2. SUPERNATURAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT (PRECIOUS SEED) We must realize that God is the one who is working through us. We can't do this work alone.
A. TRUSTING (obedience) we can’t make it grow, we just plant the seed. God does the work.
B. TIMING (delayed gratification) There are no shortcuts in the ministry.

3. SUPREME ACCOMPLISHMENT (Completing the work and Realizing the benefits of serving HIM.)
A. REAPING (Shall reap; Bringing his sheaves with him) Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.
B. REJOICING (in joy; shall doubtless come again rejoicing) Those who take pleasure in God, get pleasure from God)

We are truly in the seed sowing business. We plant and water, but GOD gives the increase. We must remember that we were saved by Grace, not works, but we were saved for good works, not grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Your good works won't get you into Heaven, but they very well could help to get someone else in!!!

Thank you Father for including me in your plans. Thank you for the privilege to do your work. Give me the wisdom and strength to serve you faithfully. May I reap all that you have planned in my life so that I may one day lay down my rewards at your feet, because you deserve my best. You deserve so much more than I can do. Please do in me and through me all that You desire. Bring glory to yourself and your Son. You are Worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.