A True Saying

A True Saying

“For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” John 4:37-38.

We must never forget that we ourselves are a fruit of other people’s labors, and when we begin to gain understanding of how to work, we enter into the work of our brothers and sisters who have gone before us. Personally, I am a fruit of Elias Aslaksen’s, Sigurd Bratlie’s, and Aksel J. Smith’s labor; but I am also a fruit of my parents’ and other God-fearing brothers and sisters who prayed for me, encouraged me, and were good to me, blessing me as a child and as a youth, even to the present day. Perhaps I am especially a fruit of the labors of godly sisters, such as Elise Pettersen from Drøbak. She did not have an outward ministry resplendent with many words of praise, but she was a laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, praying for us children, blessing us, and living as an example to the believers, just as Paul exhorts Timothy to do in 1 Timothy 4:12. I sensed I was drawn to this life, and by hers and other God-fearing brothers’ and sisters’ example in word, conduct, faith, and purity I received grace to hear the driver’s voice in my youth. Job 3:18 [Norw.]. When the Lord of the harvest called me, I was ready! None other than the Lord of the harvest can send out laborers into His harvest! Matt. 9:38. Such laborers cannot be appointed. They hear the driver’s voice and personally answer His call regardless of the cost. Therefore they can never be dismissed by any human authority or organization as long as they are faithful to their calling. 2 Pet. 10:11.

It is not written that we have entered into others’ organizations. An organization must have leaders on many levels and workers in various areas, and they can all be replaced by younger and new workers who are even more skilled than the previous ones. There is no end to such requirements in an organization. “Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. For he comes out of prison to be king [like Joseph], although he was born poor in his kingdom. I saw all the living who walk under the sun; they were with the second youth who stands in his [the old king’s] place. There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.” Eccl. 4:13-16.

Jesus was the good shepherd. He knew His sheep in and out, and the sheep knew His voice and came to Him. John 10:1-8. Such a shepherd can never be appointed; he or she is sent out by the Lord of the harvest. Therefore such a shepherd cannot be dismissed either, as long as they are faithful and obedient to their Lord’s commands. The Lord of the harvest sees to that!

So it is also in the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:14-16. Someone has to lead conferences, meetings, the music and feasts; but they will listen to the one who is a shepherd for the sheep when they need food for their spirit! The foundation for David’s victory over Goliath was laid when he walked behind the sheep and fought for lamb and sheep against the bear and the lion. Then he sensed his need for God’s help; he sought God, and the Lord helped him. It was the same Lord he had to do with when he received help to defeat Goliath. David had entered into the others’ work; he had entered into the same faith in his Father as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in their time. Such men and women can neither be dismissed nor appointed; they are sent out by the Lord of the harvest. They were faithful in their situations without thinking about authority or honor; then the Lord of the harvest could drive them out at the right time! This is a true saying!

May God give grace and raise up many young brothers and sisters who care for the sheep and understand the value of having entered into the work of others without seeking either status or positions in any human organization! Read Paul’s parting words to the Ephesians in Acts 20:32-35: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” [Emphasis added.] Serve like this; then the Lord will reward you! Col. 3:23-24.

“And the Lord said, ‘Who is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?’” Luke 12:42-44. The requirement of a steward in the Lord’s house is first of all that they are faithful to God’s word that has been entrusted to them, passing it on to the flock at the right time. Rom. 3:2; 1 Cor. 4:1-4.

Your words will be to edification, to exhortation, and to comfort when you are faithful to the Lord of the harvest in your life and work! Then you never have to worry about authority or status in any organization. 1 Cor. 14:3-4. The sheep will always hear your voice because you have God’s word which is the seed, to give them. God can only give growth to the seed. Read the entire third chapter of 1 Corinthians.

With young brothers and sisters who live their life on the foundation that we read about in Colossians 3:23-24, the inheritance of the fathers will continue to grow and increase until the appointed time that God has predetermined from eternity for His living church. Those whom the Lord of the harvest has sent out as laborers and shepherds are the ones who can lead the church further, as Johan O. Smith also wrote to brother Aslaksen on December 9, 1934:

“And what does the future hold? Our children and grandchildren will pass on the seed. The children in the church will continue to bear fruit and pass on the seed far into the future. God’s kingdom will come, and His will be done. Although we are few, God’s power to bring forth new life is great in those few. Therefore, do not grow weary, dear brother, but continue on the same course at the same speed as always.”

May God raise up many such laborers who do not seek their own but listen to the driver’s voice so they can serve spiritual food to the flock in the days to come. This is also my prayer!