Read 1 Corinthians 15:35–45

As I accumulate birthdays, I’m becoming increasingly convinced of the second law of thermodynamics, that is, of entropy, the tendency of things to decay. I am speaking, of course, of the aches and pains of aging. The knee that throbs. The arthritis in that shoulder. Even the sudden need for reading glasses.

If you share my experience, take heart. Believers in Christ will one day receive a new, redeemed, spiritual body suitable for spending eternity with Him. Again, God takes the principle of you reap what you sow and turns it into something better. Unimaginably better. We sow a body that was destined to decay and die, and in exchange we reap a glorified body that will last forever! What will our future glorified bodies be like? Different (vv. 35–41). Our current bodies are merely seeds. Seeds die and are transformed. Just as different seeds become various plants, so also will there be different, glorified bodies, from people to animals to astronomical objects.

Paul then answered the question of what our future glorified bodies will be like (vv. 42–44). He did so mainly through contrast. Whereas our physical bodies now are earthly, perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural, our resurrection bodies will be heavenly, imperishable, glorified, powerful, and spiritual. “Dishonor” refers to sin and fallenness, and “glory” to our redemption. “Weakness” refers to the effects of sin, namely, that we’re subject to death; “power” indicates that we’re free from that and will live forever. This transformation is done completely by God’s grace and strength.

God breathed life into Adam, made of the dust of the ground (v. 45). So also will He breathe life into our resurrection bodies, giving them eternal life through Christ’s redemption.

Go Deeper

What are you looking forward to with your resurrected body? What would you like to see change?

Pray with Us

Though we eagerly anticipate the day when we receive our heavenly bodies, may we be good stewards of our bodies right now. Let everything we do be for Your glory.

It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.1 Corinthians 15:44

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Read John 12:23–26

Nineteenth-century preacher Charles Spurgeon once spoke of the importance of surrendering “one’s whole being to the great work of seeking to honour him [Christ]. Oh! I have striven for that: would to God I might attain unto it! I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to him.”

This “one prayer” is inspired in large part by Jesus’ words in John 12. In the physical realm, a seed must die in order to produce life and come full circle to then produce many seeds (v. 24). The same is true spiritually (v. 25). It’s a paradox: to love life in this world is to “lose” or “destroy” it and gain nothing, but to “hate” life in this world is to “keep” or “guard” it and gain eternal life. Jesus uses the strong word “hate” as a hyperbole highlighting the contrast. Not only should we not place our values in the temporal standards of this world, we shouldn’t try a “hybrid approach” either. We must be “all in” on living for Christ (see Luke 14:26).

Jesus led the way. The context is that the time had come for Him to be glorified, that is, for Him to go to the cross to die (v. 23). He would be the original Seed, and in giving Himself, He would win eternal life for all who believe. “Whoever serves me must follow me,” He said, meaning that we, too, must have the same mindset (v. 26). In comparison with following Christ, we must “hate” our lives in this world and die to self (Matt. 16:24–25; Gal. 2:20).

This does not mean we’re to throw our lives away or seek out persecution or not enjoy His blessings. Rather, we’re to spend our lives wholly and completely on the right things—to make our life choices with eternity in view.

Go Deeper

What does it mean to die to the world or die to ourself? Can you think of a time you gained by putting “to death” sinful choices?

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, setting aside our earthly desires and priorities isn’t always easy. Forgive us for the times we choose these things over You. Help us to be “all in” for You.

If it dies, it produces many seeds.John 12:24

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Read 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that storing up “treasures on earth” is useless. In this world, our treasures can be stolen or destroyed. Rather we should store up “treasures in heaven,” beyond the reach of the risks of a fallen world. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19–21).

The virtue of generosity shows that our hearts are not attached to the things of this world. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul reveals another twist on the principle of you reap what you sow, as applied to giving and generosity (vv. 6–7). We should give not with reluctance or under compulsion, but willingly and even cheerfully. If we sow generously, we’ll reap generously. Why? Because “God loves a cheerful giver.”

How? Because God (vv. 8–9). One might think that giving generously would empty the bank account. But God’s economy is different and He’s “able to bless you abundantly.” This is not a prosperity gospel, for all that’s said here is that we’ll have what we need. The blessing is spiritual—to “abound in every good work.” Paul then quoted from Psalm 112, which includes generosity in its portrait of righteous people. Why do they scatter gifts to the poor? Because they’re trusting in God, not their money.

Furthermore, for generous givers God “will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (vv. 10–11). He doesn’t ignore material things. After all, He supplies seeds and bread. But the focus is on the spiritual: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” “Through us” makes it clear that Paul was specifically grateful for their missionary support for him and his team (cf. Phil. 4:10–13).

Go Deeper

What does it mean to be a cheerful giver? How does your faith and obedience to God shape your own financial decisions?

Pray with Us

As You have so freely given to us, Jesus, help us freely give to others. Please bring people across our path who are in need; let us show You to them.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.2 Corinthians 9:11

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Read 1 Corinthians 3:1–9

If you’ve ever gardened, you know how much work it is! The soil must be prepared, seeds planted, the ground watered and weeded. Small fences guard against rabbits, squirrels, and other foragers. Moles might threaten, or frost, or hail, or drought, or various insects. After all that work, you hope your harvest will yield tomatoes, beans, zucchini, or other produce.

Paul used a farming or gardening metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3 to describe the work of the gospel. The Corinthian believers had been quarreling about different leaders, including Paul and Apollos (vv. 1–4). To do so, scolded Paul, was worldly and immature. Were they “mere infants in Christ”? Such behavior wasn’t suitable for followers of Jesus. The leaders over whom they were fighting were servants of God (vv. 5–8). God is in charge. He assigns tasks to whomever He wants—some to plant, some to water, and some to harvest. It didn’t matter which task Paul or Apollos had been assigned, because God is the only One who can make anything happen, and all the glory belongs to Him. It’s like fighting over spoons when it’s the ice cream that really matters!

Paul had planted or started the church in Corinth. Apollos had watered or developed the work. But God had made it grow. Paul and Apollos were nothing in and of themselves—certainly not worth quarreling over. Furthermore, they were united in purpose, God’s purpose. They would be rewarded for their labors, so it did matter at that level, but they would be rewarded by God. The church does not belong to any one leader but to Christ (Col. 1:18). Paul wrote: “We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building” (v. 9). In other words, it’s all about God!

Go Deeper

Do you see that type of strife in today’s church culture? How might Paul’s words apply to the “celebrity culture” that happens in our Christian community today?

Pray with Us

Jesus, please forgive us for the times we have let our pride get in the way of serving You. Remind us of the beauty and eternal value of working together with other believers.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.1 Corinthians 3:6

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Read John 15:1–10

Israel is often pictured as an unfruitful vine in Scripture. For example, one passage speaks of God transplanting a vine from Egypt to Canaan and caring for it. But the vineyard now stands in ruins because the people had abandoned the Lord (Ps. 80:8–16). We also saw in Jesus’ parable on Day 17 how the rebellious tenants of the vineyard had rejected both the owner (God) and His Son.

This background adds extra impact to Jesus calling Himself the “true vine” in John 15. In this extended metaphor, Jesus is named as the source of life and fruitfulness. The Father is the gardener who cultivates and trims the branches (v. 2). The Greek word translated “prunes” here literally means “cleans,” explaining the wordplay that follows in verse 3.

We are the branches who must “remain” or “abide” in the Vine in order to bear fruit (vv. 4–5). This verb can also be translated as “dwell” or “reside.” In other words, Christ should be our Home (see Ps. 15).

(Yes, another metaphor!) Branches that bear fruit are pruned or cut back in order to be made more fruitful. Branches that do not bear fruit are cut off. Once they’ve withered, they’re thrown into the fire (v. 6).

Abiding in the Vine also leads to answered prayer (v. 7; cf. John 14:13–14). How? A heart aligned with God’s is guaranteed to ask only what God wants. Answered prayer, fruitfulness, genuine discipleship, love, obedience, and God’s glory are inextricably intertwined (vv. 8–10). This isn’t about human striving. To obey is to abide in God’s love, which is to abide in Christ. To sow one is to reap the others. This agricultural metaphor is therefore a powerful key to following Christ and the spiritual walk!

Go Deeper

What does it mean to “remain,” “abide,” “dwell,” or “reside” in the Lord? What are some practical ways we can live out this metaphor?

Pray with Us

Together with Augustine of Hippo, we acknowledge that “our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” May our hearts always dwell with You. We love You, Lord.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.John 15:1

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Read Matthew 13:31–32

A simile is a comparison using “like” or “as.” We use similes all the time. For example, “It fits like a glove” or “I’m feeling like a fish out of water.” Similes are often found in the book of Proverbs; for example: “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf” (Prov. 11:28).

Jesus also used similes in His teaching, including: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” (v. 31). What did He mean by this comparison? This statement is followed by a single sentence of explanation: “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (v. 32). There is a very small start but a very big finish here. “Tree” is a bit of an exaggeration, but the mustard plant can grow to more than ten feet tall. This is unexpected, even surprising. Birds nesting in the branches paint an image of safety and security.

In the same way, the kingdom of God might appear small at first, like a mustard seed, but it will grow to be impressively large. God has designed all seeds to do something like this, so we know the principle even if we’ve never seen a mustard seed. Jesus’ listeners weren’t looking for a “mustard seed Messiah” but rather the final “tree.” Even so, since Christ’s first coming, the kingdom has been ripening across history, though we can’t necessarily see the big picture. When He returns, the process will be complete, and we’ll be able to see it. Since the kingdom is God’s, its ultimate triumph is assured. Though it began as an apparently insignificant movement in first-century Judaism, it will one day be a worldwide kingdom ruled by Christ.

Go Deeper

In what way is the kingdom of heaven like a mustard seed? Have you seen examples of this growth happening from one small seed planted?

Pray with Us

Father, You delight in using humble beginnings to accomplish Your grand plan. Give us eyes to see the beautiful things You are making from the small beginnings in our lives.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.Matthew 13:31

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Read John 4:27–41

The “State of the Great Commission” report released by the Lausanne Movement in 2024 revealed two surprising facts: First, although 40 percent of the world has not yet been evangelized, the vast majority of missionaries (97 percent) are reaching those who have already had a chance to encounter the gospel. Second, while more than 80 percent of Christians lived in the West (Europe and North America) in 1900, today about 75 percent live in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania).

“The fields are ripe for harvest” is a well-known missions slogan drawn from today’s passage. It takes place at the end of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. The disciples were returning from their errand to town to get food. On their way, they must have passed the woman as she headed back to town to tell others that she’d met the Messiah (vv. 27–30). They offered Jesus food but He cryptically responded, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (vv. 31–34). Then He explained that by “food,” He meant doing the will of His Father. As usual, the disciples were a bit lost.

Attempting to enlighten them, Jesus urged them to open their eyes “and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (vv. 35–38). We’re not sure of the exact timeline, but Jesus may have been gesturing toward the town. If the disciples looked in that direction, they may have seen the townspeople headed their way in response to the woman’s testimony. In God’s plan, sowers and reapers each have their part to do. They can be glad together. Clearly, the Spirit had been at work in this place prior to their arrival. When the Samaritans arrived, perhaps all the disciples worked together to tell them about the Messiah. However it happened, many from that town believed (vv. 39–41).

Go Deeper

What role are you playing in the “harvest,” including local community outreach and world missions? How about your church? How can you become more involved?

Pray with Us

You are always attentive to the lost, Lord. Open our eyes and nudge us toward anyone who has a tender heart toward the gospel. What a privilege to be part of bringing someone to salvation!

Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.John 4:35

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Read Matthew 21:33–46

When Jesus told the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21, His hearers were no doubt reminded of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Evil King Ahab coveted the abundant vineyard and offered to buy it, but Naboth refused. His queen, Jezebel, then lied to have Naboth murdered, so Ahab could seize the property. The prophet Elijah condemned their unjust actions.

In Jesus’ story, a man planted a vineyard (vv. 33–39). The references to a winepress and a watchtower show that he had prepared it carefully before renting it out to tenants for a share of the harvest. When the time came, however, instead of paying the rent they murdered the owner’s three messengers and finally his son. No doubt audience outrage was growing as the story unfolded. Jesus the Master Teacher asked them to predict what would happen next (vv. 40–41). They naturally answered that the owner would deal out justice to those wicked tenants and find more honest ones.

Jesus then provocatively interpreted the story as symbolizing God, Israel, and Himself (vv. 42–46). The owner of the vineyard is God. The original tenants are the “chief priests and the Pharisees.” The messengers were the prophets. Jesus Himself is the owner’s Son, the rejected Cornerstone, the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that Jesus’ story condemned them and from that point on they wanted to arrest Him. Though this was an opportunity to repent, they missed it completely and instead acted exactly as the story described.

The next chapter in God’s kingdom plan would include both Jews and Gentiles (see Rom. 11:17–24), a plan the Jews hadn’t expected. Those who reject the Cornerstone will see the kingdom taken away from them and given to those who will “produce its fruit” (see Matt. 21:43). May we be among those who produce fruit for the kingdom!

Go Deeper

Compare and contrast those two vineyard stories. Why are people still rejecting Jesus today?

Pray with Us

We are grieved to know there are people who reject You, Jesus. Thank You for showing grace and mercy to us over and over. May we never miss the opportunity to seek Your face.

The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.Matthew 21:43

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Read Luke 12:13–21

If you’re anything like me, you’ve resonated with the song “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof. In this musical, the father Tevye dreams of being wealthy. Not only would his family be comfortable, he’d have more time to study in the synagogue. He asks God, “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan? If I were a wealthy man?”

God did not grant Tevye’s wish (or mine) to be wealthy, and in light of today’s parable that’s a blessing. Riches can be a formidable temptation (1 Tim. 6:10). In Luke 12, a man asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him (vv. 13–15). He was likely a younger brother, and his older brother would receive double. Jesus refused, then warned His audience against greed (covetousness) and materialism. The principle is simple: Life is not merely about possessions.

To illustrate further, Jesus told a story about a farmer who reaped a huge harvest, so big that he didn’t have enough space to store it all. His solution was to build larger barns (vv. 16–19). The man was selfish. He didn’t even consider giving some of it away. He put his trust in his wealth and pridefully found his security there. As a result of this harvest, he congratulated himself and decided he could “take life easy” from now on.

God evaluated this attitude as damned (literally) foolishness (vv. 20–21). That very night the farmer would die. He’d provided for his grain but not for his soul! Death reveals the quality of that in which we’ve put our faith. The barns were full, but the man couldn’t take any of it with him. As Ecclesiastes says, all such things are meaningless. This is how it will be for everyone who “stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Go Deeper

Finish this sentence: None of us know when we will die, therefore… Christ has already conquered death, so we can contemplate the matter without fear.

Pray with Us

Lord, everything we have comes from You. Help us not be distracted by the appeal of money and possessions. Thank You that You “give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3).

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.Luke 12:21

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Read Matthew 13:1–23

If you visit Moody Bible Institute’s Chicago campus, be sure to check out the entrance lobby in Crowell Hall. There you will find a beautiful stained-glass window called “The Sower.” It pictures the farmer in Matthew 13. With a bag slung over his shoulder, the sower strides through a field, one hand scattering seeds.

We read this parable in two parts. First, the story itself (vv. 1–9). The scattered seeds come to four ends: (1) The birds eat the seeds that fell on the hard surface of the path. (2) Seeds that landed in rocky places sprang up quickly but then withered because they had no root. (3) Seeds that landed among thorns were choked. (4) Finally, seeds that landed in good soil yielded an incredibly fruitful crop.

The second part is Jesus’ explanation, requested by His disciples (vv. 18–23). The seeds represent the message of the kingdom, that is, the gospel. In the reception of this message, there are four results seen in the story: (1) Some people don’t understand, and Satan snatches it away. (2) Some receive it with joy, but they fall away when trouble or persecution comes. (3) Some hear it, but “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness [or ‘seductiveness’] of wealth” choke or suffocate the response. Luke’s version adds “pleasures.” (4) Others hear, understand, and respond in faith and obedience, as seen in their fruitfulness. Only this fourth type is truly saved.

The sower or farmer is not directly identified but is ultimately God, because the gospel of redemption is His plan. He uses angels and human beings in that plan, so it’s not inaccurate to picture pastors, missionaries, and indeed all followers of Christ as scattering the seeds. We’re responsible to sow but reaping or outcomes are up to the Lord.

Go Deeper

Are we being obedient about scattering the seeds? What does that look like in your life? Why is it so important to trust God with the results?

Watch this video as we talk about the Parable of the Sower with devotional author, Dr. Bradley Baurain!

Pray with Us

Jesus, who do You want us to be scattering seeds to? Please give us courage, patience, and discernment to share Your truth well. Thank You for letting us be part of Your plan!

The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.Matthew 13:23

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Read Ezekiel 17:22–24

“I think that I shall never see / A poem lovely as a tree,” wrote poet Joyce Kilmer in “Trees.” Indeed, everything made by our Creator God is a work of art. His description continues: “A tree that looks at God all day, / And lifts her leafy arms to pray… Poems are made by fools like me, / But only God can make a tree.”

In Ezekiel 17, God plants a cedar tree as an image of His faithfulness. So far this month we’ve seen farming imagery and language used about both people (for example, reaping what we sow) and God (for example, sending fruitful harvests). Here, the Lord announces He will plant a cedar shoot (young tree) on the top of a high mountain (v. 22). It looks small to begin with, but it has the potential to become a towering tree. The “high and lofty mountain” likely symbolizes Jerusalem. Sure enough, the cedar twig will become a “splendid cedar” (v. 23). This won’t happen overnight. The growth of a tree is slow but steady, that is to say, God’s plans take time to unfold. In time, the birds will nest and find shelter in the mature tree. This picture usually indicates safety or security.

God can do this because He is sovereign over all nations (“the trees of the forest”). He can bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall,” or “dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish” (v. 24; cf. Ps. 75:6–7; Luke 1:51–53). What He has said He will do is as good as done (see Heb. 11:1). In context, Ezekiel’s images are messianic. Just as Isaiah had spoken of a Branch from the “stump of Jesse” (Isa. 11:1–5), so Ezekiel wrote here of a flourishing cedar tree.

Go Deeper

Are we patient enough with God’s plans? That is, do we hold on to faith while the tree is growing? What can we do to strengthen our faith during difficult seasons?

Pray with Us

Holy Father, thank You for keeping all Your promises. When we are tired of waiting, bring to our minds all the times You have shown your faithfulness. Help us trust Your plan.

It will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar.Ezekiel 17:23

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Read Isaiah 55:8–13

The Farmers’ Almanac has been published annually since 1818. Many have put their confidence in its long-range weather forecasts. It has also been a trusted source for home remedies, advice on gardening and cooking, and lists such as the “5 Worst Weather Cities.”

While even trusted almanacs may fail, God’s Word never fails. As surely as the cycle of the seasons, God’s plans, commands, and promises will be accomplished and fulfilled (v. 11). We can and should trust in that, especially given how often our human plans are foolish or fail. In addition, God’s ways are qualitatively higher than ours (vv. 8–9). They’re beyond our understanding.

God’s ways are like the water cycle (v. 10). Water evaporates, then returns to the earth as snow and rain. This waters the earth, “making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.” When nature works as God designed, the result is a fruitful harvest and plentiful food. As David wrote: “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it” (Ps. 65:9).

Furthermore, God’s ways are good (vv. 12–13). “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” Nature itself will rejoice with you! The bad and the ugly (thornbush, briers) will be replaced by the good and the beautiful (juniper, myrtle). The result? God’s “renown” or glory. The accomplishment of His redemptive plans (see Isa. 55:1–3) will be “an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” Though God’s ways are incalculably higher, He has given us a picture we can understand, rooted in the world He created!

Go Deeper

How many ways can you think of in which God’s ways are different from and higher than ours? In what ways can and should this strengthen our faith and worship?

Pray with Us

Lord, everywhere we look we see evidence of You: creative, insightful, and wise. When we see beauty, we cannot help but declare Your praise. We join with creation to worship You!

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.Isaiah 55:11

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Read Psalm 126

My wife and I have been blessed with five children. Five times, I watched her endure excruciating labor pains. Why? For the joy of new life. Admiring her strength and hearing our babies’ first cries are five of the most remarkable miracles I have ever witnessed. Those moments reminded me of Psalm 126:5: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

Psalm 126 is written in what might feel like reverse order. First, the psalmist rejoices at the harvest or reward. The exiles in Babylon praise God as if their anticipated return to the promised land has already been accomplished (vv. 1–3). Taken away in captivity, they’d returned home. Once sick, they’d regained health. The tears that watered the ground had reaped joy. These are powerful and surprising images. No one expects streams in the desert, but that’s what they were given. It felt like a dream! “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (v. 3).

In the second half of the psalm, we return to the “sowing.” The people pray for God to “restore our fortunes” and bring them back to the promised land (vv. 4–6). They understand that this hope is not achievable in their own strength. “Those who go out weeping” do not typically “return with songs of joy.” Only God can make that happen. Their faith is strong—they’re not hedging their bets. They’d praised Him in advance for answering their prayer! We too can harvest joy from sorrow (see John 16:12–22). How? Because God. There is nothing we can do to make it happen. But in God’s grace and mercy, He can turn things around.

Go Deeper

Aren’t you thankful that, because of Jesus, we will not receive the deserved results of the sins we have sown? Find out how you too can have an assurance of salvation!

Pray with Us

As the God of the unexpected reversal, You deserve our praise. You bring beauty from ashes, joy from sorrow, and growth from pain. There is no One like You.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.Psalm 126:5

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Read Isaiah 30:23–26

In the Bible, God sometimes sent droughts to get Israel’s attention. In one prophecy of Jeremiah, for example, the ground is cracked and dry. There is no rain. Farmers despair. Even rich people can’t get water because the wells have run dry. Wild animals were suffering too. What’s the message? God was using drought to call His people to repent of their sins (Jer. 14, especially vv. 1–10). If they chose to repent, God would bless them.

Yesterday, we considered ruined fields in Joel 1, and today we turn our focus to restoration. The ruined fields were both literal and figurative; they represented hunger, hardship, and judgment. Similarly, the restored fields stand for abundance, blessing, and God’s favor. When the rain arrived it would cause seeds to grow and lead to a rich harvest (v. 23). The cattle would graze freely in broad, green pastures, and other farm animals would also eat well (v. 24). There would be plenty of water (v. 25; cf. Jer. 17:8). “The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days” (v. 26). Light here symbolizes God’s blessing.

All of this is a picture of what will happen “when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted” (v. 26). He inflicted them as a judgment on their sin. In other words, they’d deserved it. But also: He’d been in control the entire time, which was a comforting truth. He wasn’t throwing lightning bolts from on high. His judgment was mercifully intended to summon them back to Himself. The Great Physician hadn’t given up on His people (see Exod. 15:26; Mark 2:17)! This image of God as a doctor or healer has clear messianic implications (Isa. 61:1–3; Luke 4:16–21).

Go Deeper

Have you gone through times of drought and/or times of restoration? How did those times in your life impact your relationship with the Lord?

Pray with Us

Whether we are in a season of drought or restoration, we worship You. Thank You that You use hardships to draw us to Yourself. We depend on You for all things.

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentifulIsaiah 30:23

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Read Joel 1:8–12

The notorious desert locust lives in about 30 countries, but migration and wind help it travel much farther. One-tenth of the world’s population is at risk of locust plagues. In Africa today, a swarm can pack 40–80 million desert locusts into less than half a square mile. Each one is able to eat its weight in plants each day!

The prophet Joel drew a horrifying picture of what such devastation looks like. Today’s passage opens by calling the nation to mourning (v. 8). How severe is the grief? The “virgin in sackcloth” image means it’s like an engagement that didn’t lead to marriage. What’s the reason for such sorrow? The prophet gives two pictures. The first is of the dead spiritual life of Israel (v. 9). No offerings were being made at the temple. There was no work for the priests, who were lamenting (and hungry). The second picture is of the dead physical life of Israel (v. 10). The fields were ruined, the harvests destroyed. Even the ground was in mourning. There was no new wine or olive oil. The locusts—pictured as a “mighty army”—followed by drought, had left nothing (see vv. 4–7).

“Despair, you farmers, wail, you vine growers” continued Joel (v. 11). The desolation was complete. Grape vines, fig trees, pomegranate trees, palm trees, apple trees—nothing remained. The people’s joy had “withered away” as well (v. 12). None of this was an accident. What had happened was a judgment from the Lord. The prophet’s descriptions were intended to call the people to repentance (see Joel 1:14 and 2:12–17). If they would turn from their sin, He would bless them again with grain, new wine, and olive oil (Joel 2:19). What a sobering reminder of our own need for confession and repentance before God.

Go Deeper

How often do you practice the spiritual disciple of confession? Is God drawing your attention to a sin of which you or your family need to repent?

Pray with Us

King Jesus, we grieve for the sins we have committed. In humility, we confess them to You. Please forgive us and bring restoration to our hearts and souls.

The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed.Joel 1:10

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Read Ruth 2:1–12

In ancient Israel, God ordained gleaning so that poor people would have a way to obtain food (Lev. 23:22). In our society, we provide for the poor through community food pantries or government food programs. A “Caring Committee” at my church gives out staple items and grocery gift cards to those in need.

Naomi and Ruth were on the receiving side of such charity. Naomi was an older widow without income. Her daughter-in-law Ruth, also widowed, went to nearby fields to glean grain for herself and her mother-in-law (vv. 2, 6–7). Whatever she brought back they could grind into flour and make bread to stay alive. It seems that gleaning was somewhat risky at that time. Boaz’s instructions for her safety imply that otherwise Ruth might have been vulnerable to sexual violence (v. 9).

Boaz owned the field where she was gleaning. His greeting to the harvesters showed that he was a godly man (v. 4). Attentively, he noticed Ruth, asked about her, and invited her to stay and get rest and water with his workers (vv. 5, 8–9). He’d heard about her choosing the Lord (Ruth 1:16–17) and coming from Moab with her widowed mother-in-law (v. 11). His response: “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (v. 12).

Ruth turned out to be hard-working and humble (vv. 7, 10). Boaz was generous, even telling his laborers to leave extra grain for her to glean, as opposed to our American values of maximizing efficiency and productivity. And we know that the biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz would one day reappear in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5)!

Go Deeper

What is our biblical responsibility to give to those in need? What opportunities have you found to give in this way?

Pray with Us

We know that You put people in our path to help, Lord. Make our hearts sensitive to Your leading, that we may be a clear testimony as we serve others. You are the author of generosity.

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.Psalm 67:6

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Read Psalm 67

Revelation 5 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It consists mainly of waves of praise directed at “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain” (v. 6)—in other words, our Savior, Jesus Christ. The four living creatures and 24 elders begin. They are joined by hosts of angels and finally by “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them” (Rev. 5:13).

Revelation 5 answers the prayer of Psalm 67: “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you” (vv. 3, 5). In this psalm, “harvest” is a picture of the Lord’s blessings. The parallelism in verse 6 treats the two as equivalent. This is often true in the psalms, for example: “The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest” (Ps. 85:12). “Harvest” is a powerful image of abundance in an agricultural society.

This entire psalm is structured like a sandwich: Prayers for God to bless (vv. 1–2 and 6–7) are placed on either side of a call for the people to praise Him (vv. 3–5). Verse 1 echoes the Aaronic blessing (Num. 6:24–26), with the petition for God’s face to “shine on us” indicating a prayer for His favor and a close relationship. The purpose is not simply blessings for them, but more importantly, “so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” It’s all about His glory!

The middle section (vv. 3–5) calls for the nations, not only Israel, to praise the Lord for His justice and wise sovereignty. Then the psalm returns to its original theme, combining gratitude for present blessing with a prayer for future blessing and God’s glory. The “fear” in verse 7 is not human fear but the “fear of the Lord,” or worship.

Go Deeper

Given that most of us aren’t farmers, what does “harvest” or God’s blessings look like in your life? Do the people in your life know that all the credit belongs to the Lord?

Pray with Us

God, You provide for us with lavish abundance. Please make us the kind of people who are quick to thank You for all You have done. May Your praise be ever on our lips.

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.Psalm 67:6

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Read Deuteronomy 26:1–11

A popular health website recommends eight “miracle foods”: avocados, blueberries, green tea, kale, lentils, quinoa, walnuts, and red wine. Blueberries, for example, are full of antioxidants and can help prevent cataracts, varicose veins, heart disease, and cancer. Walnuts improve cognitive (brain) function and memory, aid in gut health, and support heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.

We could also say that worship through giving is good for our spiritual health. Yesterday we read about the principle of “firstfruits,” that is, offering the first or best of what we have to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 26 we see that same principle put into practice during Israel’s entry into the promised land (vv. 1–4). The presentation of the firstfruits was accompanied by an affirmation of God’s faithful promise-keeping. It also admitted the people’s hopelessness without that. This was done through a vivid testimony about their liberation from Egypt (vv. 5–10).

This national origin story is rather unusual: Their forefather Jacob went to Egypt to survive. His descendants became enslaved. But the Lord heard their cries for help and freed them “with a mighty hand.” Then He brought them to a “land flowing with milk and honey,” a metaphorical picture of abundance. All the glory is given to God, not human heroes, for this amazing history.

The basket of firstfruits would then lead to rejoicing and gratitude for all of God’s various blessings (v. 11). It’s important to note that “foreigners” (or sojourners) are included. This means that the Exodus and God’s awesome “signs and wonders” had inspired faith even in some non-Israelites (for example, Rahab and her family). This testimony became a kind of recitation of God’s covenant faithfulness.

Go Deeper

What’s your testimony or salvation narrative? Does it glorify the Lord and rejoice in His blessings to you? How might you incorporate it into holiday celebrations?

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your plan of redemption! Let us, together with the psalmist, proclaim, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” (Ps. 78:4).

Now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.Deuteronomy 26:10

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Read Leviticus 23:9–14

What was actually eaten at the first Thanksgiving? The colonists and Native Americans feasted on fresh venison; ducks, geese, and other fowl; and a kind of corn that they made into cornbread and porridge. Their “stuffing” was onions and nuts. They also ate cod, eel, lobster, and vegetables such as peas, beans, and squash. Sorry, no turkey, no mashed potatoes with gravy, no pumpkin pie.

Like Thanksgiving, Israel’s Feast of Firstfruits was a harvest festival. It took place during what would be March or April on our calendar. “Firstfruits” is just what it sounds like: The earliest part of the harvest was to be offered to the Lord. Specifically, the priest would wave before God “a sheaf of the first grain” harvested (vv. 10–11). The act of waving signified honor and worship to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the source and provider of all blessings, including food.

This wave offering was to be accompanied by a burnt offering of a lamb without defect (v. 12). Why? Again the main purpose was worship, but in this case it also signified substitutionary blood atonement for sin. Ideally, these were outward actions revealing the inward state of the worshipers’ hearts. The burnt offering was likewise accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering (v. 13). These were not mere formalities but serious business. Not so much as a loaf of bread was to be eaten until these offerings had been made (v. 14)! God declared this and other feasts before Israel had even entered the promised land. Receiving the Law was therefore an act of faith by the people in God’s promises. “Firstfruits” is used in the New Testament to talk about resurrection. Christ is the “firstfruits” from among the dead, meaning that since He rose, we will in due time also rise (1 Cor. 15:20–23).

Go Deeper

What might be considered “firstfruits” that you can offer the Lord as an act of worship?

Watch Video: an introduction to our study with Dr. Bradley Baurain.

Pray with Us

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for my salvation. Please show me clearly what my “firstfruits” are, and how I can use them for Your glory. I want to give You my best.

A food offering presented to the LORD, a pleasing aroma.Leviticus 23:13

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Read Galatians 6:7–10

“Sow a thought, reap an action,” observes a classic adage. “Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a life.” The principle behind these words is one we all know: We reap what we sow (v. 7; Hos. 10:12–13). God put this principle in place as a general representation of justice or fairness. To act otherwise is to mock Him. This works in both positive and negative directions (v. 8). If we live to please the flesh (our sin nature), the result will be destruction or hell. If we live to please the Spirit, on the other hand, the result will be eternal life or heaven. We cannot do both, and there are no cases in which one way of life leads to the other outcome.

Paul explains that is why we should keep doing the latter (good deeds to please the Holy Spirit) in order to reap the right kind of harvest (v. 9). Even if we’re not seeing immediate results, we can stick with this path in confidence that it will lead to the desired destination. Therefore—Paul stated—we should take every opportunity to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (v. 10).

We need to be careful to see sowing and reaping as a general principle, not as an ironclad law by which God is bound. That’s how Job’s “comforters” erroneously saw it: If Job was suffering, he must have done something sinful to deserve it (Job 4:8). Nor does Paul in today’s reading promise that righteous choices will automatically lead to prosperity or comfort in this world. As he wrote elsewhere: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Go Deeper

Have you experienced times of reaping what you sowed (either good or bad)? How can we avoid growing “weary in doing good”? (v. 9)

Pray with Us

It is not always easy to persevere in doing right, Lord. When we grow tired, please give us strength to endure. When we have doubts, please remind us of Your faithfulness.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Galatians 6:7

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