In the world of agriculture there is a window of opportunity in every harvest season in which to reap the produce; if it is missed or not availed of the harvest will be lost! It is such a scene that Jesus refers to and addresses in John 4 as He uses the agricultural harvest as a backdrop to the harvest of eternal souls, verse 27-38. His opportunity here was a Samaritan woman at “Jacobs well” whom He deliberately put Himself in a position to minister to, verses 3-7; then she in turn brought many from the city to Him, verses 39-42. In verse 35 it is possible that the agricultural harvest season was not yet upon them, however the statement of the harvest being four months away was more likely a common proverb indicating “that there was no need to rush in performing a task” (Spirit filled life Bible). He had come to open the window of spiritual harvest and the time to reap was, and is, now while it remains open, for all indications are that it will soon close (see John 9:4). Proverbs 10:5 says, “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.” If you know Jesus you are called into the harvest; your role may differ from that of someone else (see John 4:36) but “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might”, Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Sleeping at harvest
By Don Truax, copyright unknown.
Too long I’ve laid me down to sleep,
And prayed the Lord my soul to keep.
I should awake before I die,
And realize time is passing by.
And rise and go and tell the lost,
Despite my plans, despite the cost.
Too long I’ve laid me down to sleep,
While multitudes about me weep.
And utter cries of dark despair,
For no one ever seems to care.
My life is short and soon I’ll stand,
With sinners blood upon my hands,
Unless I wake before I die,
And realize time is passing by.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.