As I opened my Bible to meditate on this Sunday morning before attending our Church service, immediately my thoughts were focused on one of Jesus Christ’s powerful statements in the New Testament that is, “ For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labors (John 4:37-38 NKJ).” According to the New International Version (NIV), the same verse as “Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor. (John 4:37-38 NIV)”
As we celebrate this long holiday weekend in United States of America (USA) before most School starts, known as the “Labor Day,” a thought came to my mind to reflect on this Bible verse, and to write a post about the beneficiaries of others hard work and labor. When we think of USA’s history, a couple of questions came to my mind as to who are the beneficiaries of others hard work and labor? Don’t you think the Pilgrims, known as Puritans who first came to America (the 1620s), and started their hard life in the 17th century (New World), and since then not only Americans but also few other nations and/or communities in the world became beneficiaries of their hard work and labor? As per history, “Puritans” were Christians who wanted the Church of England to be purified of any liturgy, ceremonies, or practices that were not found in Scripture (Bible). The Bible was Puritans sole authority, and they believed it applied to every area of life. Yes, we (Americans) are the beneficiaries of the Puritan’s hard work and labor.
I think since Jesus Christ’s time many great God-fearing people labored for us so that we (believers) can be benefited from their hard work. I am sure Jesus Christ’s statement as “One sows and another reaps,” directly implied to Christ and his Disciples, including Apostle Paul. As we know that Paul’s hard work and labor in sowing the seed that is, Word of God (Luke 8:11 NKJ) resulted in a harvest for us (Gentiles).
When we think deeper into our family’s roots of Christian faith and try to identify as to whom first labored in our harvest. I am sure you know who that person is? In our family, it is John Wesley, and his ministry (“Methodism”). Once again I am reminded of his hard work in the 18th century so that our forefather’s generation can be benefited from his labor. Yes, Jesus Christ’s statement (John 4:38) is true for me, because John Wesley has done the hard work, and our family has benefited from his labor; therefore, I admire him. How about you? Please share your thoughts!