The Harvest is more than an event at the end of the age; it is the ongoing burden of Heaven for souls. It is GOD’S great agenda of gathering men into HIS Kingdom through the gospel of CHRIST.
Yet within this field called the world, JESUS revealed a sobering reality: the wheat and the tares will grow together until the time of Harvest. In Matthew 13:37–43, JESUS explained the parable clearly: The ONE who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the Kingdom, while the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
Though both occupy the same field, they originate from different sources and are headed toward different ends.This reveals an important truth about the Harvest: not everyone present in the field belongs to the Kingdom. The enemy has intentionally sown tares among the wheat to resist, corrupt, and hinder the work of GOD.
Tares are designed to resemble wheat in appearance, making discernment necessary. They grow in the same environment, are exposed to the same rain, and occupy the same field. Their danger lies in mixture and subtle influence.
When the servants discovered the tares, they immediately desired to uproot them. But the MASTER restrained them, saying, “lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.” This reveals the wisdom and patience of GOD.
The Harvest is delicate. Heaven is careful concerning the preservation of the wheat.
The assignment of the labourer, therefore, is not to become consumed with chasing tares, but to remain faithful in tending the wheat and proclaiming the gospel.
The focus of the Kingdom is preservation, growth, and gathering. Even in a field where wickedness exists, GOD’S intention is still the maturity of HIS people and the salvation of souls.
JESUS further compared the Kingdom to a net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. Yet at the end, there was separation between the good and the bad (Matthew 13:49–50). This reminds us that though there may appear to be mixture now, Heaven’s standard remains uncompromised. GOD knows those who are HIS.
The presence of tares should not discourage the labourer. Scripture already warned that offenses, falsehood, and resistance would increase. Men like Bar-Jesus in Acts 13 opposed the gospel and sought to turn people away from the faith. Such influences still exist today. Yet the existence of darkness does not cancel the Harvest. Instead, it reveals why the Harvest is urgent. GOD has made full provision for HIS wheat to endure.
Through the Holy SPIRIT, believers are purified, strengthened, and preserved. CHRIST baptizes with the Holy SPIRIT and fire, preparing a people who will bear fruits worthy of repentance.
The true distinction between wheat and tares will ultimately be revealed by fruit.
The Harvest is not merely about numbers; it is about separation unto GOD. It is the unveiling of those who truly belong to CHRIST. While the tares may remain for a season, their end has already been determined. But the wheat is being prepared for glory.
Therefore, believers must remain steadfast in the midst of a mixed field. We labour, preach, disciple, and stand firm, knowing that our work is not in vain. The LORD of the Harvest will preserve HIS own.
And when the final Harvest comes, the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their FATHER. The field may look mixed now, but the day is coming when Heaven will reveal the difference between the wheat and the tares.
