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The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:6

Read: 2 Timothy 2:6
Listen: 2 Timothy 2

Paul gives Timothy a third illustration as he teaches him to multiply disciples of Jesus. Timothy should work hard like a farmer would. Without machines, farming entails long, hot days of plowing, planting, weeding and harvesting by hand. Farming requires commitment, patience and trust in God. The work was hard, but the reward was great. Long hours of perspiration led to harvested grain and bread on the table. Paul knows that if Timothy perseveres with farmer-like commitment, patience and trust, there will be a harvest of Jesus followers who can pass along what they know to others.

The same is true for us. Investing in the lives of others is hard work that requires patience, trust in God and commitment. It requires significant patience and love to lead a small group of sixth-grade boys until they graduate from high school. Leading a women’s group requires the hard work of Bible study preparation and sometimes stepping into tough situations. Being a mentor means showing up week after week. Committing to teaching your kids about Jesus requires the consistency of Bible stories, conversations and prayer every night. But Paul teaches, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). We work and trust, and God grows the harvest.

TODAY: Join the Ada Bible Worship Team as they sing “Finished Work of Christ.” Thank God for the finished work of Jesus and for opportunities to help others grow to know him too. “So, I’ll sing Your praise with all of my heart; you buried my past so my future could start.”

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Exodus 38. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the details for the tabernacle and priests and how they may point to Jesus.