The Husbandman 2 Timothy 2:6

As Paul the apostle continued his final instructions to Timothy, he used three examples to demonstrate how Timothy should be. The first was, “as a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ” who “endures hardness” and doesn't “entangle” himself “with the affairs of this life”. The second was as one who “strives for the masteries”, and Paul noted that the one who competes in the games must do so “lawfully” while following the rules of the competition. In chapter two and verse six of this final letter from Paul, he shares one more example with Timothy “The husbandman” where we read:

The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.

The verse begins, “The husbandman that labors...” Paul began with, “The husbandman” which is the Greek word “georgos” and means “a tiller of soil, a vine dresser, a land-worker or farmer” “that labors” which means “to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief) and to labor with wearisome effort, to toil with bodily labor”. Paul notes that this “farmer” does not sit idle and isn't indolent, lazy or slothful, but “labors” at his duty.

The verse continues, “...must be first partaker of the fruits.” Paul continued with the results of “the husbandman's” efforts as he wrote, “must be” or it is necessary, there is a need, it behooves and is right and proper” “first” or “at the beginning in time, place, succession, influence, honor, chief and principal” “partaker” which means “be partners with, take, get, find and receive” “of the fruits” or “that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, work, act, deed, advantage, profit, utility, praises and harvest”. In other words, for the farmer who cultivates, plants, weeds, waters, and labors in his field it is necessary, needful and right that he “be first partaker of the fruits” of his labor. Timothy was to be as a “husbandman”, and his labors would not be extended without tasting of the fruit of them.

While we think upon Paul's words, let us examine our own lives to determine if we are as a “husbandman” or farmer in any way. Do we invest our time, effort and labors into any specific act in which it is necessary that we be “first partakers of the fruits”? Perhaps we have invested our “labors” in a business, family or church, and we feel that we have “labored” in vain. Paul's exhortation to Timothy is first to be a “laborer” and not to be lazy or slothful, and then secondly to “reap” or “harvest” from the “labors” he put forth. As we ponder this idea, let us pray for the Lord to give us the strength, fortitude and endurance to continue to “labor” in whatever field He has put us, and when the “fruit” arrives, may we know the importance of enjoying what He has brought forth.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to “consider what I say”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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