Hobby Farms

I knew a professor at Middle Tennessee State University who had what I call a "Hobby Farm." His fifteen acres were just enough to ride around on a small tractor, raise some goats and chickens, and have a decent vegetable garden. Having been raised on a farm as a boy, his nostalgia for the good ol' days made him want to dabble in farming once he retired from teaching. However, he wasn't a true farmer. His life did not depend on the success of this "hobby farm" to live.

Real farmers know that everything rises and falls on their ability to bring in the harvest. Their expenses as well as clothing and feeding their family each year depends on the harvest. A farm can only survive so long without a harvest. When harvest time comes, the whole farm is focused on getting the harvest in because the harvest will not wait.

In Matthew 9:35-38 we find Jesus likening the crowds he saw as sheep without a shepherd. The scripture says he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless. He knew they needed a new life that only He could give. He compared them to a harvest needing to be gathered. His call is for his people to see the urgency of the harvest and get into the field to bring men and women to Christ.

Real churches understand that the harvest for the souls of men can be a joyful experience, just as harvest time is for a farmer. Sad that some churches are like "hobby farms." They don't see the need of the harvest for their survival. As a result, they eventually die.

This week we will be exploring the last foundation of a strong church . . . reaching those needing new life in Christ. Christ's call to the harvest field isn't for a few but for everyone who calls him Savior and Lord.

Come see us Sunday. We'll talk about things like that . . .

Pastor White