Harvest Time

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand!  Revelation 14:14 (NLT)

A Sickle 

The sickle, or hook, is a tool of harvesting.  The scene depicted in Revelation has an angel emerging from before the throne of God in heaven.  He tells another angel, the time is now; begin the harvest.  The angel receives the message and begins the harvest; we call it Armageddon, that last and final battle.

A Swing

This harvesting activity is a picture of the grain harvest.  In Matthew 13 Jesus told the parable of wheat and tares.  Darnel (tares) is false wheat; actually it is a weed.  What we have is a picture of genuine believers and false professors.  This harvest separates the wheat from the weeds. 

Many see this as reflecting the imagery of rapture – the wheat being taken from the earth is a picture of how quickly believers will be reunited with Christ and loved ones.  The Apostle Paul says it will be like the twinkling of an eye. ^{(1 Corinthians 15:52)}

The primary lesson we learn here is that not all judgment is to be feared.  This harvest should hold no terror for the child of God!  The Bride of Christ longs for her husband.  The harvested wheat will be taken to God's home.

But the grain harvest also shows how those who have rejected Jesus Christ in this world have no place in God’s rewards for believers.  If Christ had no place with you in this life, you will have none with Him in eternity. 

God’s Word warns – weeds have no purpose other than fuel for the fires. ^{(Matthew 13:30)}

For You, Today…

If you are a true child of God, having placed your life and eternity in His hands…the whole idea of going home should bring chills of joy, reverence and wonder to your heart every time the thought comes to mind (and that ought to be often).

Carry that joy into your workplace, or school or errands today. 

Wheat that is ready to be harvested is a beautiful sight!