Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,

This 19th century Christian hymn has been mocked repeatedly in numerous Hollywood offerings, including Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, The Simpsons, Children of the Corn, and Two and a Half Men.   This was also the favorite hymn of Charles and Caroline Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, being sung on at least four episodes of the popular 70's tv drama.   It's time for me to publicly confess now that I have heartily sung this sung with my children, with a slight smirk and twinkling eyes accompanying the singing.  You have to admit, it's a strange refrain if there's no context given to the words.

Taken from Psalm 126, this hymn speaks of the powerful principle of sowing and reaping, as related to the kingdom of God.  As we sow the seeds of faith, prayer, generosity, sacrifice, intercession, brokenness, and kindness,  we can be confident that a harvest WILL RESULT.  I like the way the New Living Translation crafts the ancient Hebrew text:

Psalm 126
 ⁵ Those who plant in tears
      will harvest with shouts of joy.
 ⁶ They weep as they go to plant their seed,
      but they sing as they return with the harvest.

What was once a slightly comical hymn to me, has taken on a more sober offering in the past week.  Today we say good-bye to a hero in my church family, the Foursquare Church- Tom Ferguson went to be with Jesus last Thursday.  Probably no one that I've been personally aquainted with in my 40 years on earth has had more of an eternal impact, in terms of bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ.  You couldn't be around Tom without an altar call being given shortly, often accompanied to the strains of "I Surrender All", another classic hymn.   Tom's life was lived with an eye on the importance of the harvest.   No one brought in the sheaves like Tom Ferguson.

I'm stirred in a fresh way today to pray with purpose, to fast with faith, to serve with steadfastness.   Will you join me in presenting ourselves before the Lord today for a fresh touch from Him?

Father, Give us faith to see the harvest.   Give us the eyes of a faith-filled farmer. Where a patch of dirt lies, we see the potential of a fruitful harvest and we plant our seeds.  Where a hardened heart lies, we see the potential of a redeemed soul in love with the Lord, and we plant our seeds.    We choose to sow today, that we might bring in the sheaves tomorrow.