LIKE AS A SHOCK OF CORN COMETH IN IN HIS SEASON

A field full of ripened corn is a fine sight. It has endured various kinds of weather and stages of growth. It has reached maturity and is a visible reminder of God’s providential goodness. The shocks, sheaves standing upright, are made when the corn is cut down, before being taken to the threshing floor for the crop to be harvested. The picture is taken from the world of agriculture.

How fine a picture this is of believers in mature years and in their exodus from this world! They have been a blessing to many in life, as the sight of the corn has gladdened many; in death they are a harvest for the Lord, as the corn for the farmer who planted it, watered it, and watched over it: his labour has been produc­tive. We may compare James chapter 5 verse 7.

There is equally a harvest for the Lord from the believer who dies ‘prematurely’; for the Lord is as ready to welcome into His presence Stephen, just as much as Peter, Acts 7. 55, 56; 2 Pet. 1. 14. The Lord’s labours are productive in each case. Long life was a promise to the righteous in Old Testament times; this is no longer the case. The New Testament speaks in this way, ‘So now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain … having a desire to depart, and be with Christ’, Phil. 1. 20-23. We are happy to ‘come to the grave’, v. 26, and not be ‘dragged’ to it, nor be ‘hurried’ to it, like the rich farmer of the Lord’s parable, Luke 12. 16-21.

The words in their context may not have been so comforting for Job. Eliphaz has spoken of those who are corrected by God, who are chastened by Him; but is Job being corrected? Has he departed from the path of righteousness and brought upon him­self God’s chastening? No. Eliphaz also speaks of the blessings that come to the man who does not despise such dealings, but was he ‘giving general ministry’ that did not really relate to his hearer? Is what was needed pastoral ministry, not an address?

James ends his letter with examples; alongside Job, he men­tions the prophets and Elijah. They show that testing times of incomprehension are not uncommon for God’s people.