Introduction: This week I’m preparing to teach Romans 1:8-15, “Will You Have a Harvest?” to the saints of Christ Covenant
Church (3cs-canton.org). In verse 13 of this passage, Paul writes, “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles” (Romans 1:13, ESV).

In one verse, Paul (a man who shouldered a formidable workload) expresses longing to demonstrate his intention to do still more on behalf of others he loves. He says that he has “often intended to come to you.” That is, he has been working. He has not been idle. He has gone from persecutor of the Christian faith (“the Way,” as it was known then). See John 14:6 for the reason why. He was met personally by the Lord Jesus in Acts 9 and was born again there by the Spirit of God. He was made an apostle to the Gentiles by Christ himself (Acts 9:15). Paul would go on to pen much of the New Testament. Why? To be used by God to produce a massive “harvest.” But Paul was not wrapped up in Paul; he was, rather, a man consumed by his mission–namely, for the sake of Jesus’ name and glory (Romans 1:5).

Connections for Us: How many of us have had those in our lives who helped make us better people? I remember when I was stationed at Fort Benning for four years. I had a boss there that did that for me. Every time I was around him, he somehow motivated me (and I’m a self-starter). I don’t need much oversight. Some folks need someone to look over their shoulder, but I’m definitely not that type. If you’ll entrust me to to do a good job, I will. I’ll outwork the next guy. That’s what my boss was like at Fort Benning. He’d not say much other than, “Jon: Do what you do. I know who you are. If you need any help, ask me. Otherwise, just send me regular updates. Move out.” And I would. And I thrived. Why? Well, he trusted me to cultivate a harvest. I worked hard, and he knew it. Because I love what I do, it’s not a burden but a duty and joy.

But if we’re honest, we have probably also had other types of folks in our lives. Perhaps they were those who were takers instead of givers. Perhaps they were poor communicators. When you’d reach out to them, they’d not return a call or email or text. Or perhaps they were so wrapped up in their own agendas that you came to realize they were not about the team but only about self. That sort of titular leader undermines the team. In fact, that makes a true team nearly impossible. Trust is deracinated and people don’t feel they have a valued seat at the table any longer.

That’s the exact opposite of what you see with Paul. With Paul, we see a man who was outward-focused. He worked hard because he knew that he answered to the Lord, that he would give an account for the way he spent his time and labors. He longed to “reap some harvest” from those into whom he poured and for whom he labored.

Encouragement: Will you and I have a harvest? I aim to. I value work. I find myself at times dispirited at others’ indolence. I don’t have much patience with lazy people. We’ve been given an appointed number of days to do what we’re supposed to do. I think Paul was wired like that, too. He was consumed by a passion for truth and for laboring well. He aimed to have a harvest–not just from others but from himself. That is, he lived by example. He didn’t worry about his name, because he kept short accounts with God and understood that God only does what is right. How might that theology inform and shape us, so that we, too, have a harvest?

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