April 9, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Tuesday, April 9.
I'm a city boy. I was born in Texas' biggest city, Houston, and spent my first 30 years there. Then I lived in Dallas for the next 15. We've become a nation of urban dwellers. In 2020, only 20% of Americans were considered "country people". In 1900, 60% of us lived in the country or in small towns. In 1800, 95% of Americans lived outside of cities. It's not surprising, then, that many of our hymns, largely written before 1900, include words and references related to farming and the rural life.
One of these "country hymns" was one of my favorites growing up in the big city. Its' chorus features the lyrics, "bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves." I was attracted to this old song because of its' singable tune and lively rhythm. But I remember being confused by the lyrics. What the heck were "sheaves"? And why were we so happy about bringing them in?
Well, I've lived in small towns for the last 15 years and so, now, I am well versed in agricultural vocabulary (Ok, I had to look it up on Google). A "sheave" is a stalk of bound-together grain. And the hymn writer, Knowles Shaw, was inspired in 1874 by reading Psalm 126:6
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bring his sheaves with him."
And so, God expects us to have a heart for those in need. God knows that this kind of concern may often produce a heavy heart. But He promises that there will be a time of joy. I particularly love the final verse.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves
When our weeping's over, He will bid us welcome
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
