AUTUMN & LIFE

Autumn & Life

Like beads on an abacus, the sun, the moon, and the stars are for counting out the seasons (Gen. 1:14; Psa. 104:19a). Seasons reveal the mathematical order and genius of the Creator who promised: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. Man is the image of God, but also reflects the earth from which he is fearfully and wonderfully hewn by God (Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Psa. 139:14).

Alas! man turned cold toward his creator. Hence, as the stars in their courses bring autumn harvest, too soon must we start to pack the bags of life’s spent summer vacation. Leaves begin to tremble and fall to the ground; so the hair of receding youth. Time to scramble and gather the fruit of summer labour before winter brings snow-blindness to the eyes, frost to the temples, and chill to the bones. Autumn is the time to harvest seed sown in spring.

Did we properly prepare the dust of the earth in the form of our children? Did we sow the good seed of God’s Word in their hearts? – lest they reap a bitter harvest in their time! Did we plant our offspring by the rivers of waters that they may bring forth good fruit in its season? (Psa. 1:3; Jer. 17:8) Did we teach them to honour father and mother that it may be well with them (and well with us in our winter years!) and that they may live long on the earth? (Exo. 20:12; Eph. 6:3).

This work being done, those taught of the LORD will not tremble at the sound of a shaken leaf, nor will they flee as though fleeing from a sword, and fall when no one pursues. (Lev. 26:36b). The LORD will not cast them down. For, as Friend not Foe, will they know and love the One who moves the abacus beads. “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.” Psalm 147:4-6.

Were the Creator to shake the earth once more as when He delivered His Law on Mount Sinai – even if He were to shake also heaven! – those taught of the LORD would only be reminded of, and comforted by, the knowledge that they are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:26&27). They are part of His holy harvest.

Dear reader, perhaps you have found yourself in the autumn of your life with little or nothing to harvest. Well, know that the LORD is able to restore to you the years the locust has eaten. (Joel 2:25) For He has sent His only begotten Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save it. (John 3:17). He is the Sun of Righteousness. And as the sun rises, so He has risen with healing in His wings. (Mal. 4:2). Therefore, make hay while the sun shines, for the fields are white for harvest.

Seek the One holding your very breath in His hand. Seek the One counting off your days. Call upon the One gathering the harvest into His barns. Call upon the One who counts the number of the stars. Therefore, call upon Jesus Christ – today.