The Gospel Produces a Harvest—Romans 1:13

The Gospel Produces a Harvest—Romans 1:13

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles”
(Romans 1:13)

One of the most striking things about Paul’s statement is his confident assurance of what God would do among them once he was able to visit Rome. He was expecting a harvest because of the gospel message. I imagine this is because he experienced it everywhere he went, and therefore Rome would not be different.


I wonder today, is there is a harvest ready for the picking?
 

The Christians in Rome were established and reports of their faith was spreading, so Paul desired to go and preach the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone he encountered because the gospel produces a harvest. Jesus told his disciples in John 4, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). Jesus was preparing his disciples to reap what they had not sown themselves because others had already done the preparatory work. The same thing was happening in Rome, where seeds had been planted, the harvest was ready, and Paul was willing.

In a few short statements later, Paul announces that the gospel is the power of God (Rom. 1:16). No wonder he was so confident that the gospel would produce a harvest in Rome just has it had done everywhere it was shared—the power of God was behind the scenes laying the groundwork.

I wonder today, is there is a harvest ready for the picking? Perhaps seeds have been planted in the hearts of those around us, and time has allowed them to grow. Like Paul, let’s look for opportunities to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ and watch the gospel message bring forth a harvest just as it has done for centuries.

For more on the gospel, please visit: jcblog.net/gospel.

 

Previous: Romans 1:11-12  Next: Romans 1:14-15

Original article published May 12, 2009.

Juli Camarin

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