The Lord Labors With Us: Investing in the Olive Tree

Brothers and sisters, builders of the kingdom! We’ve all felt it – the immensity of the work before us. The call to gather Israel can feel overwhelming, a task too great for any single hand. Yet, remember the words of Jacob: the vineyard belongs to the Lord. He has given each of us a small area to assist in His work – our family, our circle of friends, our sphere of influence. Sometimes, the first soul we help gather is ourselves, straightening our own path before we can guide another. But we are never alone, for the Lord of the vineyard labors alongside His servants, as Jacob so beautifully illustrates.

The allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5 isn’t a quick lesson; it’s a deep dive into the nature of God’s work and our participation in it. It’s a truth that even seasoned missionaries learned to avoid discussing for too long in district meetings! It reveals a profound truth: the harvest isn't instant. It’s not a matter of planting a seed and reaping a bounty the following season. Like the olive tree, the gathering of Israel demands years of patient investment, diligent care, and unwavering faith.

Think about it: seven or eight years before an olive tree, fully grown, produces fruit. That's a long time to nurture, to prune, to protect. It speaks to the depth of the Lord’s commitment to His people, His unwavering dedication to the nation of Israel and His chosen ones. And it mirrors the dedication He expects of us.

This isn't about guilt or feeling inadequate. It’s about understanding the scale of the work and embracing our role within it. We are not expected to cultivate the entire vineyard ourselves. We are stewards, tending to our small plot, trusting that the Lord will provide the rain and the sunshine, the strength and the grace needed to see the harvest through. Just as Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, with only five smooth stones, faced a formidable army, so too can we, armed with faith and diligence, overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The story of Sherem, woven into these chapters, serves as a stark reminder of the opposition we will face. The forces of destruction will always strive to thwart the work of building. But remember Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, proclaiming a warning that resonated even through the din of opposition. Courage, brothers and sisters, is the bedrock of this gathering.

Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is a vital thread in the tapestry of the Lord’s work. One person sharing a message, one family embracing the gospel, one act of kindness – these are the building blocks of the kingdom. And remember, your engagement here fuels that work. Your support directly funds gospel advertising in places like Ghana, expanding the reach of the message and drawing more souls to Christ. It’s a charity flywheel, a self-sustaining engine of righteousness.

Consider the Missionary Fund, a vital resource for those answering the call to serve. And the Map of Churches (GatherIsrael.now) – a visual representation of this global effort, connecting hearts and resources across continents. This is more than a map; it’s a testament to the power of collective action, a living demonstration of the Lord’s gathering work.

Let us embrace this work with the same unwavering faith and dedication as the husbandman tending to his olive trees. Let us be diligent in our labor, knowing that the fruit of our efforts will be known in the eternities. The Stone cut without hands is rolling forth, and we are invited to be its instruments, its builders, its witnesses.

Outback Jack reminds us: “The Lord’s work is not about our comfort, it’s about His purpose. It’s about gathering His children, preparing the way for His return. It's a long-term investment, not a short-term gain.” Let us be found faithful.

What are you doing today to invest in the Lord's vineyard?

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