Hard Workers

2 Timothy 2:6 ESV

“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.”

Paul is still encouraging Timothy in this passage. This was Paul’s last communication with Timothy, and he was giving Timothy some much needed advice. This time the analogy is a hard -working farmer. There is no glamour in the work of a farmer, although he or she will enjoy seeing the crops come in at harvest. This word for Timothy was to help him understand that as he works hard, he will be rewarded. His reward is threefold; first, he will receive a reward by seeing souls to come to believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior through his ministry. Second, He will be rewarded by the Lord in his heart and spirit by feeling fulfilled that he worked hard and did his best for the Lord. His third reward will come at the end of his life, when he goes to meet the Savior for the first time, face to face.

Working hard is what most of us have done most of our lives. Our enjoyment has been having family and friends and close friends. Our enjoyment in the ministry comes from seeing lives changed, hearts healed, people restored. Our reward for being hard workers for the Lord is the sense of accomplishment that we sense for all that we have put our hands to. For the people that we have touched with our words, finances and deeds. God will reward hard workers for the kingdom. That is not just ministers, more so, I think the laity will receive even greater rewards for their diligence to the kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen us for the work at hand. The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Send laborers into Your harvest Lord. In Your name we ask, Amen!