Reaping with Joy

Psalms 126:5 – 6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Sowing and reaping is a law of the harvest: we will reap if we sow. Yet, in the ministry, the sowing process is very much hindered by obstacles, and hurdles. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, against the rulers of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. There is no ministry that is without tears, and there is no ministry without strife.

Yet deep in this verse, is the promise that God gives to the sower, and brethren consider firstly, there is promise of joy, though now we are in grief. “ They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” . There is much lamenting, and beating of the chest, and agonizing in prayer, when the seed sown is exposed to the cold, to the hard ground, to the loose earth that is not conducive to the life of the seed. The sorrow that the sower feels when there is no return and there is no reward on his labour is painful. But what a glorious promise, that joy will come.

Consider secondly, the cause of that joy, and it is only when WE SOW IN TEARS. We must be actively doing the work: if we do not participate in the cause of gospel sowing, there will be no burden for the lost and no burden for the lost, means that there are no tears for them either. GOD promises joy only to those who sow in tears. There is not only the physical effort employed but also the spiritual heart and soul poured into the work. God promises joy but there must be work, heart work and hard work.

Consider thirdly, that the joy is brought about when we sow right (bearing precious seed) and we reap the fruit of that harvest. We will rejoice when we see the seed growing, and taking root. It must bear fruit for we shall bring our sheaves with us.

Are we sowing in tears, and exerting our effort in evangelizing the lost? Are we sowing rightly, with the precious seed of the word of GOD? If we are, then take heart brethren, for the sheaves will be brought in and the joy will come: that is a promise of GOD. Let us weep, and pray and go!!

Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church