thresh·ing floor: a hard, level surface on which grain is threshed with a flail.
win·now: the act to free (grain) from the lighter particles of chaff, dirt, etc., especially by throwing it into the air and allowing the wind or a forced current of air to blow away impurities.
Sharing in First Fruits
Recently Journey team members traveled to our property in Odek to harvest the soya beans. What is unique about this harvest is Journey felt led by the Lord to give away all of the harvest, as First Fruits unto the Lord. Our families of children suffering from Nodding Syndrome were invited to participate in the harvest, as well as share in the fruit of it. Team members shared in the joy on their faces and the hard work that was needed to harvest, thrash, and winnow the beans that day. This area has experienced exceptional drought after having hopeful early rains cease. This has been the case over the past several years. The battle for life is real, and we pray somehow God is able to multiply the harvest to be shared even further.
Meeting on the Threshing Floor
We can find mention of the threshing floor in multiple places in the Bible. John the Baptist announces Jesus as: “The One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will clean the threshing floor and burn the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3: 16-17). In practice, the wheat is separated from the grain on the threshing floor. However, looking through a biblical lense, it symbolizes a place of purification and humility. It is on the threshing floor that our hearts can be purified by the working of the Spirit.
“Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor.”
Ruth 3:3
Ruth and Boaz met on the threshing floor. As we imagine the encounter between Jesus and His bride, we find that encounter symbolized between Ruth and Boaz. An amazing invitation, He desires to give Himself to us when we are willing to submit ourselves to Him. Just as the grain is brought to the threshing floor, we too should be found there. Jesus will come with His fire, and a new passion for Him will be ignited in our hearts.
In Odek we continually see so many biblical principles play out. Thank you for being a part of the harvest of crops and souls. For joining us on the threshing floor where the fruit and hearts are revealed, the winnowing where the chaff and sin are blown away, leaving the pure fruit…
