Homilist Joel 3:13 Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow… These words suggest three remarks concerning man's moral character. I. It is a GROWTH. The harvest begins with the germinating seed. Moral character, both good and bad, is a growing thing; thoughts grow, affections grow, principles grow, habits grow. Character is not like a rock, which remains the same from year to year; but rather like the tree, ever growing. Men get worse or better every day. II. It has a MATURITY. Every character ripens, reaches its harvest. Hemlock as well as wheat ripens; character, both evil and good, comes to maturation. III. It has RETRIBUTION. "Put ye in the sickle." 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, he that soweth to the spirit shall reap everlasting life." The time for the sickle hastens to all. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. |
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