A Moment of Reflection for the Fall Season

fall wheat harvest

The season of autumn contains some of the most striking changes of all the seasons. The temperature beings to dip, the tree leaves beautifully change colors and then begin to fall, and the sun begins to dip earlier with every passing day.

Fall, as every season, brings a number of unique blessings. It is also often used in extremely symbolic ways in scripture; sometimes in a positive light, and other times as an image of something dying or fading away.

Here are a few passages that invoke fall imagery that may make for a good reflective moment for you as you watch the leaves tumble to the ground:

Last rays of the day

The Land of Israel is described as “A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey (Deut. 8:8).” These seven species were the staple foods consumed by the Jewish people in the land of Israel during biblical times. They contain special holiness, as reflected by the unique blessing recited after eating them, thanking God for the goodness of the land. ~ My Jewish Learning

Psalm 1:1-3

“How happy is the man
Who does not follow the advice of the wicked
Or take the path of sinners
Or join a group of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction
And he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside streams of water
That bears its fruit in season
And whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.”

“Whose leaf does not wither” is the key phrase here. A man who delights in the Lord and follows His instruction does not shrivel and die like leaves in autumn, but lives abundantly—prospering in whatever he does!

Jude 1:12

“These are the ones who are like dangerous reefs at your love feasts. They feast with you, nurturing only themselves without fear. They are waterless clouds carried along by winds; trees in late autumn—fruitless, twice dead, pulled out by the roots.”

Again, the imagery here is of autumn leaves being dead and lifeless. They are lovely for decoration, but are not productive. This passage refers specifically to false teachers in the early church.

James 5:7-8

“Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near.”

Fall is harvest season for many farmers as the “late rains” of autumn provide a last bit of sustenance for their crops. Fall is a season of waiting, as we prepare for winter and the holidays, and especially for the eventual day of the “Lord’s coming!”

May you have a blessed Fall season!