Bringing in the Sheaves

“He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”—Psalm 126:6

When Knowles Shaw was nine or ten, his dying father gave him his cherished violin and encouraged him to live for the Lord. Inspired by his father’s influence, Knowles grew up to be an evangelist and composer. “Bringing in the Sheaves” was one of the last songs he wrote.

This hymn invites us to think about a wheat harvest. Workers would go into the field first sowing the seed and then, when the time was right, harvesting the wheat and bundling the stalks.

For Shaw, this provided imagery for sharing the Gospel. The harvested wheat is a picture of the souls who have been saved. The goal of believers is to share the Gospel, sowing the seeds so that souls will be ready for the great harvest.

This message applies to each of us. We are called to sow seeds of the Gospel throughout our lives, share our testimony, pray for others, and give financially out of what God has given us.

If we are faithful, we will reap a harvest and “come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.” What joy there will be as we see the fruit of our labors and witness the souls we have impacted.

You have a role to play. Sow seeds from the reservoir God has given you. Share the Gospel that souls will be saved. Join with the saints throughout history—rejoicing, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Reflection Question: When have you seen a harvest from the seeds you have planted?