Harvest

Field of ripe wheat in Gallecs (Mollet del Valles, Barcelona, Spain), Photo by Rafael Ferran i Peralta (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Israel has two primary seasons:  summer (hot and dry) and winter (wet).  The month of March is known for strong winds which buffet the crops.  The latter rains bathe the crops a last time before they are ready for harvest.

The Torah lists what are called the “seven species” of the Promised Land.  They are wheat and barley; grapes, figs, and pomegranates; olives, and date palm honey.  The seven species relate to three of the Hebrew religious festivals:  the grains to Passover, the fruits to Pentecost, the oil and honey to Tabernacles.

The Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus (37AD – 95AD) praised the vineyards of Judah and Samaria, the olives of the Galilee, and the date palms of the Jordan Valley.

“ ‘Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!’ ” (John 4: 35).

Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the harvest, and we Your laborers.  We thank You for having called us to join in Your great work.  We ask that You call many forward to accomplish this vital task.

Help us to convey Your message of love and Salvation.  Help us to win souls for You, that none may be lost.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed.com