البشارة كما دوّنها متى 10

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

The season of harvest is a time of gratitude, reflection, and abundance. For farmers, it signifies the end of a season of hard work, when crops are gathered, and the fruits of labor are celebrated. Spiritually, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of sowing seeds of righteousness in our lives. The Bible speaks of harvest not just as an agricultural event but as a symbol of spiritual growth, provision, and God’s blessings.

Here are seven Bible verses that reflect the beauty, meaning, and significance of harvest time:

1. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Just as the harvest comes after a season of hard labor, our spiritual harvest will come if we remain steadfast in our efforts to live righteously. God’s timing is perfect, and we must trust that our diligence will bear fruit.

2. Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Here, Jesus calls on us to be workers in this field, sharing the good news of salvation and helping to bring others into the kingdom of God. Harvest time is not just about receiving but also giving — sharing God’s love with the world.

3. Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

We may endure seasons of sorrow, but God promises that those who faithfully sow, even through hardship, will one day reap a harvest of joy. There is hope in the midst of trials, and the harvest will be a time of celebration.

4. Proverbs 10:5
“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”

Just as a farmer must be attentive during the harvest to gather his crops, we must be alert and ready to seize the spiritual opportunities that God places before us. Laziness and neglect lead to missed blessings, but diligence ensures that we reap the benefits of our labor.

5. 2 Corinthians 9:10
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

God is the provider of all things, and He ensures that those who sow will have what they need to reap a harvest. Not only does He provide materially, but He also increases the harvest of righteousness in our lives, enabling us to grow in character, faith, and good works. Our trust in God’s provision is important to experiencing His abundance.

6. James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

When we sow seeds of peace and righteousness, we reap a harvest of goodness and integrity. Just as the farmer carefully chooses what to plant, we must be mindful of the seeds we sow in our relationships and daily actions.

7. John 4:35
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

The time for action is now, not later. The fields are ripe, and God is calling us to step into His work, sharing His love and truth with those who are ready to receive it. There is an urgency in the harvest, and we are called to respond.

Conclusion

Harvest time is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. Whether we are harvesting crops or gathering the fruits of our spiritual labor, we are called to trust in God’s provision and timing. As we reflect on these Bible verses, may we be inspired to continue sowing seeds of righteousness, peace, and faithfulness, knowing that in due season, we will reap a bountiful harvest.

Addictions come in many shapes and forms, whether it’s lust, alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, or even excessive use of your mobile phone and social media. There is professional help to get as well as counselling from your priest or pastor.

Also, read the Bible and lay your addiction before God in prayer. Here are some passages from the Word of God to reflect upon.

James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We all have weaknesses within us that can make us fall and lead to an addiction. Acknowledging this, and admitting that you struggle with addiction is an important step to be free from it.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Addictions don’t come from God, but from the world and our desires, lusts and pride. We can rely on God wanting us to be free from any addiction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You may feel that you can’t break your addiction. But the Bible tells us that God can. God will provide the way of escape. Turn to God, turn from your addiction. Let God fill you with his presence.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Addiction is many times when something takes control over you. Those things that are not helpful in your life and dominate your thoughts and desires you may need to cut out of your life.

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Addictions come from this world and not from God. In the end, addictions replace God as the number one in our lives. It’s not just about addictions, but also about our souls.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lay your struggles before God. Ask for God’s protection and deliverance.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

This is the promise of Jesus Christ, that when he sets us free, it is real freedom.

This article is not intended as a replacement for medical or therapeutic help or treatment for addiction, but a complement and inspiration to those who battle addiction.

الرسل الاثنا عشر

(مرقس 3‏:13‏-19، لوقا 6‏:12‏-16)

1 ودَعا يَسوعُ تلاميذَهُ الاثنيَ عشَرَ وأعْطاهُم سُلطانًا يَطرُدونَ بِه الأرواحَ النّجسَةَ ويَشْفونَ النّاسَ مِنْ كُلّ داءٍ ومرَضٍ. 2 وهذِهِ أسماءُ الرّسُلِ الاثني عشَرَ: أوّلُهُم سِمْعانُ المُلَقّبُ بِبُطرُسَ وأخوهُ أندَراوُسُ، ويَعقوبُ بنُ زَبدي وأخوهُ يوحنّا، 3 وفيلُبّسُ وبَرْتولماوُسُ، وتوما ومتّى جابي الضّرائبِ، ويَعقوبُ بنُ حَلْفَى وتَدّاوسُ، 4 وسِمْعانُ الوطنيّ الغَيورُ، ويَهوذا الإسخَرْيوطيّ الذي أسلَمَ يَسوعَ.

يسوع يرسل الاثني عشر

(مرقس 6‏:7‏-13، لوقا 9‏:1‏-6)

5 وأرسَلَ يَسوعُ هؤُلاءِ التلاميذَ الاثنَي عشَرَ وأوْصاهُم قالَ: «لا تَقصِدوا أرضًا وثَنِيّةً ولا تَدْخُلوا مدينةً سامِريّةً، 6 بَلِ اَذْهَبوا إلى الخِرافِ الضّالةِ مِنْ بَني إِسرائيلَ، 7 وبَشّروا في الطّريقِ بأنّ مَلكوتَ السّماواتِ اَقتَرَبَ. 8 واَشفوا المَرضى، وأقيموا الموتَى، وطَهّروا البُرْصَ، واَطرُدوا الشّياطينَ. مجّانًا أخَذتُمْ، فمَجّانًا أعْطُوا. 9 لا تَحمِلوا نُقودًا مِنْ ذَهَبٍ ولا مِنْ فِضّةٍ ولا مِنْ نُحاسٍ في جُيوبِكُم، 10 ولا كِيسًا لِلطّريقِ ولا ثوبًا آخَرَ ولا حِذاءً ولا عصًا، لأنّ العامِلَ يَسْتَحِقّ طعامَهُ. 11 وأيّةَ مدينةٍ أو قريةٍ دَخَلْتُم، فاَستَخبِروا عَنِ المُستحِقّ فيها، وأقيموا عِندَهُ إلى أنْ تَرحَلوا. 12 وإذا دَخلْتُم بَيتًا فسَلّموا علَيهِ. 13 فإنْ كانَ أهلاً للسّلامِ، حلّ سلامُكُم بِه، وإلاّ رجَعَ سَلامُكُم إلَيكُم. 14 وإذا اَمتَنَعَ بَيتٌ أو مدينةٌ عَنْ قَبولِكُم أو سَماعِ كلامِكُم، فاَتركوا المكانَ واَنْفُضوا الغُبارَ عَنْ أقدامِكُم. 15 الحقّ أقولُ لكُم: سيكونُ مَصيرُ سَدومَ وعَمورَةَ يومَ الحِسابِ أكثرَ اَحتِمالاً مِنْ مَصيرِ تِلكَ المدينةِ.

زمن الاضطهاد

(مرقس 13‏:9‏-13، لوقا 21‏:12‏-17)

16 «ها أنا أُرسِلُكُم مِثلَ الخِرافِ بَينَ الذّئابِ فكونوا حَذِرينَ كالحيّاتِ، وُدَعاءَ كالحَمام. 17 واَنتَبِهوا، لأنّ النّاسَ سَيُسلّمونَكم إلى المَحاكِم، ويَجلِدونَكُم في المجامِعِ، 18 ويَسوقونَكم إلى الحُكّامِ والمُلوكِ مِنْ أجلي، لتَشْهَدوا عِندَهُم وعِندَ سائِرِ الشّعوبِ. 19 فلا تَهتَمّوا حِينَ يُسْلِمونَكُم كيفَ أو بِماذا تَتكلّمونَ، لأنّكُم سَتُعطَوْنَ في حينِهِ ما تَتكلّمونَ بِه. 20 فما أنتُمُ المُتكَلّمونَ، بَلْ رُوحُ أبيكمُ السّماويّ يَتكَلّمُ فيكُم. 21 سيُسلِمُ الأخُ أخاهُ إلى الموتِ، والأبُ اَبنَهُ، ويتَمَرّدُ الأبناءُ على الآباءِ ويَقتُلونَهُم، 22 ويُبْغِضُكُم جَميعُ النّاسِ مِنْ أجلِ اَسْمي. والّذي يَثبُتُ إلى النّهايةِ يَخلُصُ. 23 وإذا اَضطَهَدوكُم في مدينةٍ، فاَهرُبوا إلى غَيرِها. الحقّ أقولُ لكُم: لن تُنْهوا عَمَلكُم في مُدُنِ إِسرائيلَ كُلّها حتى يَجيءَ اَبنُ الإنسانِ.

24 لا تِلميذَ أعظَمُ مِنْ مُعلّمِهِ، ولا خادِمَ أعظَمُ مِنْ سيّدِهِ. 25 يكفي التّلميذَ أنْ يكونَ مِثلَ مُعلّمِهِ والخادِمَ مِثلَ سيّدِهِ. إذا كان ربّ البَيتِ قيلَ لَه بَعلَزَبولُ، فكَيفَ أهلُ بيتِهِ؟

مخافة الله

(لوقا 12‏:2‏-7)

26 «لا تَخافوهُم. فما مِنْ مَستورٍ إلاّ سَيَنكَشِفُ، ولا مِنْ خفِيّ إلاّ سَيُظهَرُ. 27 وما أقولُهُ لكُم في الظّلامِ، قولوهُ في النّورِ. وما تَسمَعونَهُ هَمسًا، نادوا بِه على السّطوحِ. 28 لا تخافوا الّذينَ يَقتُلونَ الجسَدَ ولا يَقدرونَ أنْ يقتُلوا النّفسَ، بَل خافوا الّذي يَقدِرُ أنْ يُهلِكَ الجسَدَ والنّفسَ معًا في جَهَنّم. 29 أما يُباعُ عُصْفورانِ بدِرْهَمٍ واحدٍ؟ ومعَ ذلِكَ لا يقَعُ واحدٌ منهُما إلى الأرضِ إلاّ بِعِلمِ أبيكُمُ السّماويّ. 30 أمّا أنتُم، فشَعرُ رُؤُوسِكُم نفسُهُ معدودٌ كُلّهُ. 31 لا تخافوا، أنتُم أفضَلُ مِنْ عصافيرَ كثيرةٍ.

الاعتراف بالمسيح

(لوقا 12‏:8‏-9)

32 «مَنِ اَعترفَ بي أمامَ النّاسِ، أعترِفُ بِه أمامَ أبي الّذي في السّماواتِ.

33 ومَنْ أنْكَرَني أمامَ النّاسِ، أُنكِرُهُ أمامَ أبي الّذي في السّماواتِ.

يسوع والعالم

(لوقا 12‏:51‏-53؛ لوقا 14‏:26‏-27)

34 «لا تَظُنّوا أنّي جِئتُ لأحمِلَ السّلامَ إلى العالَمِ، ما جِئتُ لأحْمِلَ سَلامًا بَلْ سَيفًا. 35 جِئتُ لأُفرّقَ بَينَ الاَبنِ وأبيهِ، والبِنتِ وأمّها، والكَنّةِ وحماتِها. 36 ويكونُ أعداءَ الإنسانِ أهلُ بيتِهِ.

37 مَنْ أحبّ أباهُ أو أمّهُ أكثرَ ممّا يُحِبّني، فلا يَسْتحِقّني. ومَنْ أحبّ اَبنَهُ أو بِنتَهُ أكثرَ ممّا يُحبّني، فلا يَسْتحِقّني. 38 ومَنْ لا يَحمِلُ صليبَهُ ويَتْبعُني، فلا يَسْتحِقّني. 39 مَنْ حَفِظَ حياتَهُ يَخسَرُها، ومَنْ خَسِرَ حياتَهُ مِنْ أجلي يَحفَظُها.

الجزاء

(مرقس 9‏:36‏-41)

40 «مَنْ قَبِلَكُم قَبِلَني، ومَنْ قَبِلَني قَبِلَ الّذي أرسَلَني. 41 مَنْ قَبِلَ نَبيّا لأنّهُ نَبيّ، فَجَزاءَ نَبيّ يَنالُ. ومَنْ قَبِلَ رَجُلاً صالحًا لأنّهُ رجُلٌ صالِحٌ، فجَزاءَ رَجُلٍ صالِحٍ يَنالُ. 42 ومَنْ سَقى أحدَ هؤُلاءِ الصّغارِ ولَو كأسَ ماءٍ بارِدٍ لأنّهُ تِلميذي، فأجرُهُ، الحقّ أقولُ لكُم، لن يَضيعَ».

The Twelve Apostles

(Mark 3.13-19Luke 6.12-16)

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

The Mission of the Twelve

(Mark 6.7-13Luke 9.1-6)

5 These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. 6 Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. 7 Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8 Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid. 9 Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper money in your pockets; 10 do not carry a beggar's bag for the trip or an extra shirt or shoes or a walking stick. Workers should be given what they need.

11 “When you come to a town or village, go in and look for someone who is willing to welcome you, and stay with him until you leave that place. 12 When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with you.’ 13 If the people in that house welcome you, let your greeting of peace remain; but if they do not welcome you, then take back your greeting. 14 And if some home or town will not welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place and shake the dust off your feet. 15 I assure you that on the Judgment Day God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah than to the people of that town!

Coming Persecutions

(Mark 13.9-13Luke 21.12-17)

16 “Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves. 17 Watch out, for there will be those who will arrest you and take you to court, and they will whip you in the synagogues. 18 For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles. 19 When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say. 20 For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

21 “People will hand over their own brothers to be put to death, and fathers will do the same to their children; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death. 22 Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, run away to another one. I assure you that you will not finish your work in all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “No pupil is greater than his teacher; no slave is greater than his master. 25 So a pupil should be satisfied to become like his teacher, and a slave like his master. If the head of the family is called Beelzebul, the members of the family will be called even worse names!

Whom to Fear

(Luke 12.2-7)

26 “So do not be afraid of people. Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known. 27 What I am telling you in the dark you must repeat in broad daylight, and what you have heard in private you must announce from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 29 For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. 30 As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!

Confessing and Rejecting Christ

(Luke 12.8Luke 9)

32 “Those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my Father in heaven. 33 But those who reject me publicly, I will reject before my Father in heaven.

Not Peace, but a Sword

(Luke 12.51-53Luke 14.26Luke 27)

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world. No, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 I came to set sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law; 36 your worst enemies will be the members of your own family.

37 “Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples. 38 Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. 39 Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.

Rewards

(Mark 9.41)

40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes God's messenger because he is God's messenger, will share in his reward. And whoever welcomes a good man because he is good, will share in his reward. 42 You can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these my followers because he is my follower, will certainly receive a reward.”