2 Timothy 2:6-7, “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
Have you worked diligently and hard at something that did not meet your anticipated successful outcome? You analyzed, maybe did research, and then worked long hours to accomplish the assignment or task, and you are not sure it was received with gratitude for your efforts as you intended? Your patience has been challenged. Paul is telling Timothy to persevere like a hard-working farmer. You don’t hear about awards given to farmers compared to soldiers, golfers, and other athletes known for their charm and appear to have a magical power to attract followers and receive medals and notoriety for their efforts. Those are the ones that are in the limelight. However, a farmer’s work is not as glamorous. He gets his fingernails dirty with preparing the soil for planting. He gets up early and goes to bed late during the Spring planting season, during the growing season, and then harvest time which occurs in the Fall. Farmers live on faith for the right weather conditions suitable for high crop yields. A farmer is not considered a celebrity, yet he must have strong endurance and cannot be lazy.
Paul stated another agricultural metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:10, “Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing the crop.” Then Hebrews 6:7 declares, “For the land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.” Do you long to excel in something that is on your heart? Maybe your routine has been interrupted. Don’t underestimate what is right in front of you. Pray that God will be blessed and seek His approval in your efforts in doing it well. Plant those spiritual seeds. Pray Psalm 90:17, “God establish the work of my hands. Please show me your approval. Enable me to excel in everything I do to be a blessing to others in the 1440 minutes/day You have given me.”
“Jehovah Malakh, thank you for bringing hope to those in need . . . giving me a message from my King . . . Some things are out of my control – situations in my family, at work, or with my health. Whatever it is, you know all about it. Only you have the power to break through that which surrounds me and to comfort me when I’m in distress . . . I need to hear the message my God has for me.” Praying Through The Names of God by Tony Evans. Jehovah Malakh – the Angel of the Lord, page 174. “Now the angel of the Lord [Jehovah Malakh] found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.” Genesis 16:7-page 173.
The Message says 2 Timothy 2:6-7 this way, “When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.”
Listen to Lauren Daigle, Lyric Video, Trust In You. June 7, 2020.