bless us, o lord?
“Yes, days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the seed.” —Amos 9:13
The Lord foretells through the prophet Amos that He will bless His people with abundant harvests so large that it will take many months to bring it all in (Am 9:13). This prosperity is a blessing from God. Jesus tells us that His harvest is abundant (Mt 9:37) and that “the fields are shining for harvest” (Jn 4:35). Amos prophesied that the abundant harvest was intended by God to bring about the restoration of His people (Am 9:14).
Jesus told this parable: “There was a rich man who had a good harvest” (Lk 12:16), so good that it resembled the superabundant harvest prophesied by Amos. The man did not have sufficient room to store the harvested crops (Lk 12:17). Sadly, this rich man thought only of enriching himself and not of God’s plans (Lk 12:18-21).
Jesus teaches that to whom much has been given, much will be required (Lk 12:48). If we are faithful in using our blessings for God’s glory, He may entrust us with additional opportunities to build His kingdom (see Lk 16:10-11; Mt 25:14-30). He calls us to be the reapers of His harvest (see Mt 9:38; 20:4). The Lord is expecting to receive “His share” of our harvest (see Mk 12:2). Let us bear “a yield of a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold” for our Lord and Master (Mt 13:23).
Prayer: Father, you desire to “overwhelm” Your faithful people with Your blessings (Dt 28:2). We beg You for the grace to faithfully labor in Your Kingdom and bring You an abundant harvest.
Promise: “The Lord Himself will give His benefits.” —Ps 85:13
Praise: Though money was tight, Ed and Lisa began tithing as an act of faith. They were overjoyed to discover that each month their trust in God increased and their debt decreased.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Upcoming retreats include one for widows and widowers, and one for the divorced and separated. Both retreats will be held on Sept. 11-13.)
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