Death in the Pot

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“And Elisha returned to Gilgal… and he said to his servant, ‘Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.’ So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lap full of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. Now it happened as they were eating the stew, they cried out and said, ‘Man of God, there is death in the pot!’ And they could not eat it.

“So he said, ‘Then bring some flour.’ And he put it into the pot, and said, “Serve it to the people, that they may eat.’ And there was nothing harmful in the pot.” (2 Kings 4:38-41)

A great famine was underway (2 Kings 4:38; 6:25; 7:3-4; 8:1). Many people were with Elisha (cf. 2 Kings 4:43). Perhaps, it was due to these circumstances that the gatherer gathered what he could. He did so without a great deal of discrimination or prudence.

As they began to eat, they discerned that something was wrong. Was it the taste? Was it nausea? Was it pain experienced? We are not told. But, something prompted a reaction. There was death in the pot.

What was this plant. We cannot be certain. However, here are some thoughts. The Septuagint identifies these wild gourds as wild cucumbers, also known as the Apple of Sodom (cf. Deuteronomy 32:32)” (Michael Whitworth, How to Lose a Kingdom in 400 Years, footnote p. 275). James Burton Coffman comments, “Stigers identified these wild gourds as ‘wild cucumbers,’ egg-shaped gourds having a bitter taste, and producing violent diarrhea when eaten, or even death” (studylight.org). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says “These ‘wild gourds’ have been identified with the fruit of the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). It is exceeding common in Pal., and its familiar poisonous properties, as a drastic cathartic, made it unlikely that under any circumstances its fruit could be mistaken as any edible gourd. it is too in no way vinelike (‘wild vine’ 2 Kings 4:39) in appearance; the stem is stiff and upright; there is no tendrils. The traditional plant, Cucumis prophetarium, which grows in the desert, and has a very small ‘gourds,’ has nothing really to recommend it. By far the most probable plant is Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis). This last view has the support of the LXX and Vulg. It is a vinelike plant which spreads over the ground or attaches itself by spiral tendrils to other plants. The rounded “gourds” are 3 in. or more in diameter, and contain a pulp intensely bitter and in any but minute quantities, extremely poisonous” (I.S.B.E., Vol. 2, p. 1286, Gourd, Wild by E.W.G. Masterman).

How did the flour remove the harmful effects of from the pot? I do not believe that there is a natural explanation. I believe that this was a miracle. The ESV Study Bible comments, “As with the salt thrown into the water (2:21), the flour used by Elisha is a visible sign of the Lord’s power working through Elisha.” This was a visible aid that Elisha, the Chef, was correcting the matter. This was done supernaturally.

Lessons to Learn

  1. Good intentions are not enough. The one who gathered the wild gourds meant to do no harm. He was trying to feed the people. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).
  2. Discernment is needed. In this case, those who ate discerned soon enough, that something was wrong, to save themselves. We need to be spiritually discerning. “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1Thessalonians 5:21-22).
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Baking Up Sin

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

Hosea 7 uses the metaphor of a baker and baking to describe the people of Israel. Let us notice.

1. “They are all adulterers. Like an oven heated by a baker – he ceases stirring the fire after kneading the dough, until it is leavened” (Hosea 7:4).

Israel is compared to a baker. What is meant? Homer Hailey suggests, “The thought seems to be this: The wicked companions of the king plot his overthrow. ‘They are all adulterers,’ unfaithful to God and to the king. As a baker prepares the dough, waits for it to rise, then stirs the fire for the baking, so the plotters lay their plan and wait for the opportune time to carry it out” (Homer Hailey, A Commentary on The Minor Prophets, p. 158).

What is the history? Wayne Jackson comments, “The historical background is a twenty-year span (ca. 752-732 B.C.) when four of Israel’s kings were assassinated (2 Kings 15)” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 377).

What application can we make? Let us ask, what have we prepared our hearts to do? What are our plans? Actions start in the heart (Proverbs 4:32; Mark 7:20-23).

2. “They prepare their hearts like an oven, while they lie in wait; Their baker (or anger, see NASB, ESV) sleeps all night; In the morning it burns like a flaming fire. They are all hot, like an over, and have devoured their judges; All their kings have fallen. None among them calls on Me” (Hosea 7:6-7).

Again, Israel is compared to a baker. What is meant? Wayne Jackson comments, “As a baker makes adequate preparation for the baking of his bread, so these knaves made ready their hearts so that at the appropriate time they might strike, overthrowing their rulers, while totally ignoring Almighty God” (Wayne Jackson, ibid).

What application can we make? Let us ask, are we dwelling on things that stir up wrong actions? Are we focused on things which stir up anger or lust? We need to get rid of such obsessive thoughts (Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 10:12; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Leviticus 19:18).

3. “Ephraim has mixed himself among the people. Ephraim is a cake unturned” (Hosea 7:8).

Israel is compared to an improperly cooked cake. What is meant? It may mean that the cake was not good. Homer Hailey comments, “They were cooked by heathenism but uncooked or raw in their relation to God” (Homer Hailey, p. 159). Wayne Jackson comments, “Israel’s lack of trust in God caused them to seek alliance with neighboring powers that were steeped in idolatry. This significantly weakened their religious fabric” (Wayne Jackson, ibid).

What application can we make? Let us ask, where is our allegiance? Where is our trust? Some try to be in allegiance to both God and the world. It will not work (Matthew 6:24).

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Remember Your Creator

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). The writer goes on to say in effect, “Do so before…”

1. The Light goes out.

“While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened” (Ecclesiastes 12:2a). This may refer to the brightness of mind. Serve God while you still have a sound mind. Do not wait until your mind is not as sharp as it once was. Give Him your best.

2. Difficulties linger.

“And the clouds do not return after the rain” (Ecclesiastes 12:2b). The sun usually comes out, and the clouds disappear after a rain. This may refer to slow recovery following injury or illness. It may refer to chronic difficulties. Serve God before the clouds linger or quickly return. Serve God while you are healthy and without chronic health problems.

3. Trembling comes.

“In a day when the keepers of the house tremble (Ecclesiastes 12:3a). The keepers of the house probably refers to the limbs of the body. The trembling may refer to shakiness that comes to some in old age. This may also refer to shakiness or weakness which comes with certain diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy). Serve God while you have dexterity and balance.

4. Bending or weakness occurs.

“And the strong men bow down” (Ecclesiastes 12:3b). This may refer to the back becoming bent with age. Some think that this may refer to diminished strength (e.g., leg strength). Serve God while you are upright and strong.

5. Dental problems.

“When the grinders cease because they are few” (Ecclesiastes 12:3c). This probably refers to damaged and lost teeth. Serve God while you have a full set of healthy teeth.

6. Vision dims.

“And those that look through the window grow dim” (Ecclesiastes 12:3d). The window probable refers to the eye. This probably refers to diminished eyesight. Cataracts and glaucoma must have been debilitating to many in ancient times. Serve God while you can still see clearly. Serve God while you still have good vision.

7. Sounds ceases.

“When the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low” (Ecclesiastes 12:4a). This may refer to diminished hearing. It is as if someone shut the door to outside sound. There is another view. Some have suggested that it refers to the ceasing of commerce and work. The doors of the workplace is shut. Activity is low. Serve God before you cannot hear. Serve God before you cannot work. Do not wait until you are at the end of life.

8. Can’t sleep well.

“When one rises at the sound of a bird” (Ecclesiastes 12:4b). This may refer to one waking up early as with the birds. Some think that this may refer to one sleeping so lightly that even the sound of a bird will awake him. Serve God while you can still get a good night’s rest.

9. Musical ability or appreciation is gone.

“And all the daughters of music are brough low” (Ecclesiastes 12:4c). This may refer to the ear no longer appreciating the distinctions in sound. Additionally, this may refer to other body parts which are used in music. The lung capacity may diminish. The voice may age and vocal cords scar. The Voice may no longer being as smooth or capable as it once was. Dexterity may diminish. The fingers to skillfully play an instrument may not be as it once was. Serve God while you still have musical appreciation and/or abilities. Serve God while you have an ear, a voice, or finger dexterity for music.

10. Afraid of falling.

“Also they are afraid of height, and the terrors in the way” (Ecclesiastes 12:5a). This probably refers to the fear of falling. When one struggles with balance and is fragile, walking can be frightful. Any obstacles may be viewed as terrors in the way. A fall can be serious health concern for an older person. Serve God before walking becomes difficult and hazardous.

11. White hair appears.

“When the almond tree blossoms” (Ecclesiastes 12:5b). Almond blossoms are white and sometimes pink. This probably refers to the color of the hair. Serve God before your hair becomes white.

12. Burdened by small things.

“The grasshopper is a burden” (Ecclesiastes 12:5c). This may be hyperbole meaning that even small things become a burden to handle. Small tasks become challenging. Another view has been suggested. Some suggest this refers to food. Food has lost its taste. “Some suggest that the old man’s stomach can’t enjoy a good, salted grasshopper” (John Waddey, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, p. 71). Serve God before small things become difficult tasks. Serve God while you still enjoy your food.

13. Desire fails

“And desire fails” (Ecclesiastes 12:5d). This may refer to desire in general, interest and zest for life. There is another possibility. This may refer to sexual desires. “The Septuagint renders ‘desire’ as ‘caperberry,’ which was considered an aphrodisiac or sexual stimulant. If this be correct, then he is speaking of the old man whose sexual desire has failed, and not even an aphrodisiac will stimulate him. Some would broaden the application to all physical desires which weaken and fail in old age” (ibid). Serve God before your desires fail.

14. Death comes.

“For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets. Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes12:5e-7). Remember God before you die. Death is pictured in different ways. (a) “The first compares man’s life to a golden lamp bowl which is suspended by a silver cord or chain. The chain snaps and the bowl crushes to the floor and is ruined.” (b) “The second illustration is an earthen pitcher used to fetch water from a fountain; it is dropped and shatters.” (c) “Life is like the windlass which lowered the bucket into the deep cistern. The wheel or windlass grows old and rots and finally collapses” (ibid, p.72).

Thoughts

1. Serve God from youth. Don’t put it off. Give Him your best; give Him your best years, if you can.

2. Serve God while you have opportunity. One day this life will be over. Judgment is coming (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). If you didn’t start young, start now. This was not written to dissuade older people from beginning to remember and serve God even in their old age. It was written to persuade the young not to intentionally put off serving God until their old age. Solomon said that man’s meaning and purpose is found in serving God (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

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From Swine’s Food to Fatted Calf

Posted on February 7, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in the land, and he began to be in want. The he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:14-16).

It is a familiar story. It is the Parable of The Prodigal Son or The Parable of the Lost Son. The purpose of this parable is obvious. We are told, “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And when the Pharisees and the scribes complained, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’ So He spoke this parable to them saying…” (Luke 15:1-3). The purpose of this parable is to explain how valuable these people are to God and why they should be valued by others.

In the text above (Luke 15:14-16), the lost son is at a low point. He is working but the pay does not meet his basic needs. He is hungry. He is willing to eat the pods that he feeds to the swine. This is thought to be the pods of the carob or locust tree. It is edible but not choice food. It “is used for feeding swine and even for food by the lower classes” (A.T. Robertson, Robertson’s Word Pictures, studylight.org).

Not everyone in sin hits such a low point in this life. However, some do. It has been said, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” There is a pay day someday (Galatians 6:7-8).

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:20-34).

What a welcome home! (1) He was dressed in the best robe. “The custom of that day involved robes. When you visited a man, he had a closet of robes. He would wash your feet, dirtied by travel, and would welcome you as a friend by the presentation or a robe. But in the houses of yesteryear there was, significantly, a best robe. This robe is the symbol of the highest honor” (Charles B. Hodge Jr., Will God Run, p. 51). (2) He had a ring put on his hand. “The ring is the symbol of restored wealth, power, authority, and position. The father received him as a son” (ibid, p. 50). (3) He had sandals put on his feet. “To be shoeless was the sign of an orphan” (ibid). Others have suggested that servants were sometimes without footwear (J.W. McGarvey, The Fourfold Gospel, p. 503). (4) The fatted calf was served and they feasted. This was not an everyday meal. This was a very special occasion. [Note: While the exact significance of the items mentioned may be uncertain and disputed, there are some things which are certain and beyond dispute. The father was welcoming his son. He was glad to have him home. He rejoiced in his return.]

If you have left the Father for a far-country, and are ready to come back home, He will welcome you home. He loves you.

“I’ve wandered far away from God, now I’m coming home; the paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home… I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord, now I’m coming home; I’ll trust Thy love, believe thy word; Lord, I’m coming home [Song: Lord, I’m Coming Home by William J. Kirkpatrick (1892)].

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Unleavened Bread and Bitter Herbs

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“Then they shall eat the flesh on that night roasted in the fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” (Exodus 12:8).

Passover

This concerns the eating of the Passover meal (pesach seder). Three items are mentioned. (1) Bitter herbs are mentioned. Why are they to be bitter? This would serve as a reminder of the bitter experience they had in Egypt (cf. Exodus 1:13-14). What were these bitter herbs? “According to the Mishnah, these particular herbs consisted of lettuce, chicory, pepperwort, endives, and dandelion” (Coy D. Roper, editor Eddie Cloer, Truth for Today Commentary, Exodus, p. 189 – ref. Mishnah Pesahim 2.6). Horseradish is also used by many Jews (Ask the Expert: What Counts as Maror? myjewishlearning.com). (2) Unleavened bread is mentioned. Why is it to be unleavened? They would depart in haste (Exodus 12:11, 39). There would be no time to leaven. This would be a reminder of how they departed (Deuteronomy 16:3). (3) A roasted lamb is mentioned. It is not to be eaten raw, and it is not to be boiled (Exodus 12:8-9). Why is it to be roasted and not boiled or prepared some other way? We are not told. Some have suggested that this is about the speed of preparation (Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible, Exodus, p. 130). Some think that this may have to do with removal of blood (ibid). Others have suggested that the stakes used in roasting formed a cross (James Burton Coffman, Exodus, p. 149 – ref. Justin Martyr). We are not told the reason. However, the eating of this meal would serve as a reminder of the Passover (Exodus 12:25-28).

The drink for this meal is not specified in the instructions for the Passover. We know that Jesus and His disciples drank of “the fruit of the vine,” i.e. grape juice (Matthew 26:27-29; Mark 14:23-25). There is an ancient Jewish tradition of drinking four cups on the Passover. Each cup is drank remembering four promises found in Exodus 6:6-7: (1) The Cup of Sanctification, “I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians”; (2) The Cup of Plagues / Deliverance, “I will rescue you from bondage”; (3) The Cup of Redemption / Blessing, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgment”; (4) The Cup of Praise / Hope / Acceptance, “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.”

Lord’s Supper

Jesus used items from the Passover meal to institute the Lord’s Supper. He gave new meaning to these items. (1) He used bread. He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” (Matthew 26:26). (2) He used the fruit of the vine. He said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28). He took this cup after supper (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). The third and fourth cup are drank after supper in Jewish tradition. Jesus probably instituted the Lord’s Supper using the third cup, the cup of Redemption. [Some think that the drinking of it new in the Kingdom (Matthew 26:29) completes the four cups. Maybe.].

Arguments have occurred over whether, or not, the elements became the literal body and blood of Jesus. Consider these points: (1) The items used in the Passover meal were full of symbolism. It was about remembering what had happened (Deuteronomy 16:3; Exodus 12:8 cf. 1:13-14). (2) The Lord’s Supper is about remembering. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). (3) After Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, he said, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29). It is still referred to as “the fruit of the vine.”

This is about remembering. The Passover meal was about remembering what was done for them (Exodus 12:25-28). May we always partake of the Lord’s Supper remembering what was done for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

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Daniel Ate His Veggies

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank…So Daniel said to the steward … ‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined’… And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in the flesh than all of the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. Thus the steward of delicacies and wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables” (Daniel 1:8-16).

What was wrong with the king’s delicacies? The text does not specify. It seems likely that the food and wine was probably connected with idolatry or devotion to some god (cf. Daniel 5:1-4). It is possible that the food included unclean food, which was forbidden to Israelites (cf. Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). It may have included eating blood (cf. Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10-14; Deuteronomy 12:23). These last two things would not explain the wine. Were they avoiding intoxication? The first explanation offered would explain both the food and the wine.

What is remarkable is Daniel and his fellow Israelites devotion to God and determination not to defile themselves. They could have found it easy to go along. They were far from home. You’ve heard the saying, “When in Rome, do as the do.” A better way of thinking is that whether in Rome or elsewhere one should do as God would have one do. This was the thinking of Daniel and his fellow Israelites mentioned in Daniel one. They could have lost faith in God. They had been carried far away as captives in a foreign land. They had been stripped of their Hebrews names and given Babylonian names [(1) Daniel = God is my judge; Belteshazzar = Bel protects his life; (2) Hananiah = Yahweh has been gracious; Shadrach = The command of Aku; (3) Mishael = Who is what God is; Meshach = Who is what Aku is (4) Azariah = Yahweh will help; Abednego = servant of Nego. Wayne Jackson comments, “Some of the names are obscure. One thing is practically certain: each of them had the name of Israel’s God removed and replaced by a form that reflected a heathen god. The philosophy of Nebuchadnezzar seems to have been: I’ll change your name; and in so doing, redirect the object of your adoration!” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 329)]. Furthermore, they seem to have been made eunuchs (Daniel 6:1-7, 8, 9,11, 18). Yet these young men were determined not to defile themselves. They truly believed in their God (cf. Daniel 3, 6).

The purpose of the heart determines the action. It all starts in the heart. What do you purpose in your heart to do? Faithfulness to God doesn’t just happen. It is purposed.

[Note: This text is not teaching that all should be vegetarian or vegan. Israelites and other righteous ones consumed meats and animal products including lamb, quail, eggs, milk, calf, and fish (Exodus 12:1-11, 43-48; Numbers 11:31-35; Job 6:6; Luke 11:12; Genesis 18:8; Proverbs 27:27; Isaiah 7:22; Isaiah 55:1 Luke 15:11-13; John 21:1-13, et. al.)].

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Sweeter Than Honey

Posted on January 10, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“I have treasured the word of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

“More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10).

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 cf. Deuteronomy 8:3).

Treasure

Food is necessary to sustain life. Survivalists speak of “the rule of threes.” Man can survive about three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Each situation and each person is different. Some have survived well beyond these threes. However, food is necessary to sustain life.

In a typical day, most of us do not go all day without food. In fact, we generally eat multiple times a day.

How much do we treasure God’s word? How often do we feed on it? This year, let us treasure it more than our necessary food.

Desire

We desire certain foods. Many desire honey. Honey provides energy. Jonathan’s “countenance brightened” after eating honey (1 Samuel 14:26-30). John the baptizer ate honey (Matthew 3:4). Honey is sweet. “The exact makeup of each honey varies somewhat, but honey is generally composed of 80% sugar (fructose and glucose)” (Honey Versus Sugar – Which is Healthier? University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, usaex.usada.edu). It is considered sweeter to the taste than table sugar. “Honey is naturally sweeter than sugar, meaning less is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness. For example, in baking, replacing one cup of sugar with three-quarters of a cup of honey can reduce sugar content while maintaining flavor” (Honey vs. Sugar: Why Honey is the Superior Sweetener, glorybee.com). I enjoy a little honey on a peanut butter sandwich.

How much do we desire God’s word? Is it sweet to us? This year, let us have a “sweet-tooth” for the word.

Live by

God taught Israel that man does not live by bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3). He taught them humility. He taught them to depended on Him.

Jesus understood proper priorities. Obedience to God was more important than physical food (Matthew 4:4).

By what do we live? This year, let us prioritize God’s word and live by it.

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Love Those Lentils!

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Bryan Hodge

“Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.’ Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright as of this day.’ And Esau said, ‘Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?’ Then Jacob said, ‘Swear to me as of this day.’ So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:29-34).

This must have been some really good stew! I say this in jest. However, to Esau this stew was worth, at the moment, his birthright.

What was this birthright? Certain privileges and responsibilities came with being the firstborn. Later, under the Law of Moses, the birthright came with a double portion of inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:15-17) [Note: Some have suggested that this double-portion was to set one up as the head of the family with the responsibility to care for the rest of the family. However, these specifics are not mentioned in Scripture].

Esau, no doubt, exaggerated when he said, “Look, I am about to die…” (Genesis 25:32). However, he was ready to trade. He was so focused on his immediate desire that he was willing to trade his future.

Many are like Esau. They are willing to trade the heavenly inheritance for their immediate desires. I may be for money, possessions, power, position, fame, a man or a woman, pleasure or some other desire.

The Bible warns us. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears” (Hebrews 12:14-17). Esau came to regret his choice. So will we, if we sell our birthright. It is not worth the price (Mark 8:36-37).

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Sowing and Reaping

Posted on December 27, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

It is a well-known fact that what one sows is related to what one reaps. The cause (the seed sowed) produces the effect (the harvest). If you sow corn seed, then you may reap corn. If you sow wheat seed, then you may reap wheat. If you sow tares, then you may get tares. There are things that could happen that interfere with a successful harvest. However, generally speaking, one gets what he sows.

Let’s consider three passages. All three concern this principle of sowing and reaping.

1. “They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7).

    Israel would reap the consequences of what they had sown. “Foolish Israel had sown ‘the wind,’ i.e. that which is without substance; in return they would reap a ‘whirlwind’- a storm suggesting the destruction that would come on them and sweep them away into Assyria” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 378). They had been warned that idolatry would have consequences (Deuteronomy 4:25-28; 30:17-18).

    2. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

    This is speaking of what controls a person. There are two ways to live. (1) One may live a life which is ruled by fleshly passions and desires (cf. Galatians 5:19-21, 24). (2) One may live a life which is led by the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:16, 18, 22-26).

    One should not deceive himself. These lifestyles lead to two different hereafters. Living according to the flesh reaps corruption. Living according to the Spirit reaps everlasting life.

    3. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

    This passage is informative about bringing people to Christ, growing and maturing Christians, and how to grow the church. There must be planting (sowing the seed) and watering (nurturing care, continued teaching) for growth to occur. God deserves the credit for this growth. He made it possible. He put the power in the seed. David Hamrick has written, “Understand that there must be planting and watering before God gives the increase. So, we recognize that it is God who brings new life to a church. We are only privileged to play a part, but it is an important part” (David W. Hamrick, Waking the Sleeping Giant, p. 38). He provides these statistics, “Statistics show that 50% of Bible studies completed result in conversions. By studies completed, I mean those who willingly study the Bible with you through the entire course, whether it be three lessons or five or six. Therefore, if you conduct 20 complete Bible studies per year you should have 10 additions to the church. What would happen if you trained five members to conduct 10 Bible studies per year. The result would be 25 new converts each year. If there were 20 members who conducted 10 studies in a year, the result would be 100 new converts that year” (ibid, p. 121). However, Harold Taylor quotes Flavil Yeakley Jr. as saying, “The last time I surveyed the number (or percent) of members involved in personal evangelism, I found that only one percent of our members were actively involved in personal evangelism in that year – and most of them were on the church payroll… so we are averaging one lasting adult convert per year for every 160 members.” (ibid). Brethren, this should not be. The early church was very evangelistic (Acts 8:4). If we want the church to grow, we must be as well. This is the Biblical plan. There is no substitute. There is no other way! [Note, I once suggested in a church business meeting that the members practice personal evangelism, if they wanted the church to grow. A man replied, “Find another way” (in other words, we won’t do it). Brethren, there is no other way, biblically!]

    What will you and I sow in this coming year? (1) Will you sow to the flesh or to the spirit? (2) Will we sow the seed in the hearts of others and water the seed that has been sown? Or will the seed remain in the barn (cf. Haggai 2:19)?

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    Look at the Fields

    Posted on December 14, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

    “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for the harvest!” (John 4:35).

    The Context

    Jesus had spoken with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, near Sychar. She left her waterpot and went into the city and said, “Come, see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4:29). This caused many of the city to come to Jesus and hear for themselves (John 4:30, 39-42).

    The reference to four months until the harvest seems to be a time reference. The grain harvest occurred in about the month of April. This was probably December or January. The fields of grain were not yet ready for harvest.

    However, there was a spiritual harvest that was ready. “The fields were then ‘white already unto the harvest,’ ready now to be reaped. At that very moment, throngs of people from Sychar were streaming out to see Jesus as the result of the testimony of the Samaritan woman.” (Guy N. Woods, A Commentary on John, p. 87 The Gospel Advocate Commentary Series). One commentator speculated on the reference to white, “Multitudes of Samaritans are coming… probably they had a kind of white garment” (Adam Clake, Clarke’s Commentary, John, p. 543). It is possible that some were wearing white garments. However, this is not necessary to the meaning. The meaning is that there was at that time an opportunity to harvest souls. The white may simply refer to the white appearance of heads of grain when ready for harvest.

    I wonder if this work among the Samaritans had a lasting effect. Later, the Gospel would be proclaimed in Samaria (Acts 8).

    Application

    God’s people should lift up their eyes. They should look upon others and their needs. They should look for opportunities to sow seed. They should look for opportunities to harvest souls for the Lord.

    Some, I am afraid, never look upon others this way. Consider – (1) Some are so wrapped up in their own lives that they miss opportunities. They never even see the opportunities before them. The disciples were thinking about food, not souls (John 4:31-ff). (2) Some are hindered by prejudices. The Jews ordinarily had no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9). Moreover, men ordinarily did not talk with women (John 4:27).

    Are we looking for opportunities? Are we looking on souls as Jesus did? Each person we meet has a soul worth saving. Think about all the people we meet each day (the server at the restaurant; the checker at the grocery store; the teller at the bank; the person who cuts the grass; the person who cuts your hair; the people with whom you work; the classmate or roommate). Are we lifting up our eyes? Are we missing opportunities?

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