September 20
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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

A few verses earlier in today’s scripture citation, we are reminded that we “reap what we sow.”

It is worth remembering that even while we are engaged in sowing “good seed” by doing good deeds, it takes a while before the planted seed sprouts; and longer still before the sprout matures and is ready for harvesting.

Particularly when we are doing the right thing, we want to see results.  Paul reminds us that the desired results will come but, in the meantime, we must not tire of doing good; and we must not grow weary in the wait for harvest.

Sow.  Water.  Weed.  Fertilize (encourage).  Wait.  “At the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  – Luther

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September 19
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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Lending an ear, extending a hand, or offering your heart in sympathy to someone in need fulfills the law of Christ.  Carrying someone else’s burden seems easy enough, but as they say: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

We are tempted to by-pass others in need for the same reasons that those who know not Jesus by-pass persons in need: Helping others takes time.  Bearing the burden of others requires us to be personally engaged.  For these, and related reasons, we decline to help.

The law of Christ is simply stated but broad in its application.  Welcome every opportunity to be the friend to others that you would like others to be to you.  – Luther

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September 18
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“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'”  (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

This recollection of God’s first encounter with Abram (later called Abraham, the father of the faithful) reminds us that we must first “go” in obedience to God before God will “show” us the promise.

Most of us prefer it the other way round, as if to say to God: “Show me and I will go”; while God is saying to us, “Go and I will show you.”

It may be a strange thing to our family, friends, and neighbors to see us commit to something without being able to describe the end-state or the desired outcomes; but obedience ahead of evidence is how God dealt with Abram — and it is how God deals with us.

Whenever God’s spirit moves you to move — move! God will be with you every step of the way and, in time, you will see the promise.  – Luther

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