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Jesus encouraged His disciples to see “the whiteness of the fields…”. He had been speaking to a woman of Samaria at a well concerning “water springing up to eternal life,” vv.5-26 . But His disciples, upon arrival, “marveled that He had been speaking to a woman,” v.27 .
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Jesus encouraged His disciples to see “the whiteness of the fields…” • He had been speaking to a woman of Samaria at a well concerning “water springing up to eternal life,” vv.5-26. • But His disciples, upon arrival, “marveled that He had been speaking to a woman,” v.27. • They marveled, perhaps at least in part, because of: • genderbiases; • ethnicbiases; or, • What they considered more pressing physicalconcerns, v.31. • Whatever the cause(s) of their myopia (short-sightedness), He made it clear that there were abundant opportunities already available to “do the will” of God, vv.34-38.
In addition to these causes of spiritual myopia, other things can also prevent our ability to see “the whiteness of the fields”- • We can be looking inwardtoo much (at ourselves); • We can be looking backwardtoo much (at our past/history); and, • We can be looking forwardtoo much (at our future); • To see the outwardand present “whiteness of the field”!
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • The first, an obvious answer is “the need”- but such has always been the case, Rom.3:23ff; 6:23. • There are also current cultural reasons: • People are looking for “answers” to life’s problems beyond pop-psychology and human wisdom- which they are seeing don’t really work, Jer.10:23. • People are looking for “meaning in life” beyond capitalism and commercialism- they are now beginning to realize that there is more to “life” than making money, 1Tim.6:6ff; Luke 10:25-25.
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • An additional current cultural reason: • People are looking for “spirituality” as an escape from “carnality,” 2Pet.1:4. Evidence? • Think about the (extreme/radical/way out there)beliefs people are willing to adopt, and ask “Why are people willing to believe and practice such things?” • Answer: “They are looking for answers.” cf. John 6:68-69
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • There are also “religion-based” reasons: • The “non-denominational” movement has been discovered to be instead “inter-denominational.” • “Ecumenicism” is being understood to be based in and require a compromise of convictions. • The arrogant and self-righteous fighting “generals” of the church have a shrinking sphere of influence, and are being replaced by humble but very bright “bricklayers” who can defend when necessary, but are also building for the Lord, Neh.4:17ff.
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • But there are also local “Southside-based” reasons: • There is an emerging and growing awareness of Southside in this community through the newspaper articles. • There is an emerging and growing awareness of Southside through social media and digital resources. • So, we’ve had both internal and external experts in these fields advising us, and we have a team of bright young men working very hard to improve our digital/social media opportunities even more!
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • However, the primary basis of optimism for the growth of the kingdom right here at Southside is: • Its People! • YOUR appreciation and support for your leadership. • YOUR love and care for one another as “family.” • YOUR dedication to learning and practicing the Truth. • While these things may have been, to some degree or another, presentpreviously, they are becoming prominentpresently!
“So, what makes you think the currentfields are so white?” • Please understand, if you don’t already, a few things about spiritual growth: • It is expected (including reproduction) by God, Matt.13:23; 25:14-30; • It must be “truth” based, Rom.1:16; John 8:31-33; • It is an “inside out” proposition, Eph.4:11-16; • There must be considerable planting and watering before God supplies the abundant harvest, 1Cor.3:6; but, • I firmly believe such is about to happen here at SS!
“What can I do to help plant and water here at SS?” • Feel personally responsible for it. “This is my church family and I want to see it reap an abundant harvest for the Lord.” • Be personally involved in it. “I can: • Have and project a positive image and outlook of/for SS; • teach a children’s class (each student has a soul!); • manifest my care and concern for my brethren by spending time with them away from services; • and act upon my care and concern for the souls of those around me by simply inviting them to services with me.”
