SOWING SEEDS OF KINGDOM TRUTH

"In the morning sow your seed and until  the evening do not let your hand rest." -ECCLESIASTES 11:6.

AGRICULTURE played a vital role in ancient Hebrew society. That is why Jesus, whose whole life as a human was spent in the Promised Land, incorporated agricultural themes into his illustrations. For example, he likened the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom to the sowing of seed.  (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Luke 8:5-15) To this day, whether we live in an agricultural society or not, sowing spiritual seed in this way is the most important work that Christians do. 

It is a greater privilege to share in the sowing of Bible truth in this time of the end. Romans 10:14, 15  well expresses the importance of this work:  "How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?  How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth?  Just as it is written:  'How comely are the feet of those who declare the good news of good things!'   Never has it been more important to press ahead with a positive attitude in fulfilling  this God-given commission. For that reason Jehovah's Witnesses are fully immersed in the production  and distribution of Bibles and Bible-study aids in 340 languages. The preparation of this material requires over 18,000 volunteers at their headquarters and at branch offices in various lands. And almost six million Witnesses share in the distributing this Bible literature around the world.  

What is the fruitage of this hard work? As in the early days of Christianity, many today are embracing the truth.  (Acts 2:41, 46, 47) More important, however,  than the large number of newly baptized Kingdom publishers is the fact that  this great witness contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah's name and to his vindication as the only true God.  (Matthew 6:9)  Further, a knowledge of God's Word is improving the lives of many and can lead to their salvation. -Acts 13:47.

The apostles were fully aware of the life-giving importance of the good news, an they felt deeply for those to whom they preached.  This is clear from the words of the apostle Paul, when he wrote:  "Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased  to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you came beloved to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8)   In manifesting such genuine concern for people, Paul and the other apostles were imitating Jesus and the heavenly angels, who are very much involved in this life saving work.  Let us review the important roles that these heavenly servants of God play in this sowing  of Kingdom truth, and let us see how their example encourages us to fulfill our role. 

Next time: Jesus-The Sower of Kingdom Truth

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000