PRAYING FOR LABORERS

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:37-38

Here in the mountains of Southern West Virginia, we've been experiencing an economic depression.  Times have been tough.  In the past several years, many families moved away from this region because of a lack of jobs. 

While there may be a shortage of jobs here in my area, there is plenty of work to do in God's Kingdom.  In fact, there is a need for more workers! 

When Jesus saw the multitudes that followed Him, He was moved with compassion.  Seeing the great spiritual need, Jesus said told His disciples, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."   

For several weeks, I've been writing about the law of sowing and reaping.  When Jesus said, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest," he was stating that there is a great need for more people to get involved in the business of sowing the Gospel seed.      

The real issue in Jesus' day was a spiritual hunger among the people.  That same need exists in our day.  The need of our day is desperate. 

Notice Jesus said, "The harvest truly is plenteous."  There was no shortage of people with spiritual need.  In our day, we don't have to go to Hollywood or Washington DC to find spiritual need.  Our neighborhoods are infected with drugs, violence and domestic disputes.  More young people are on crack than in Christ.  Even worse is the eternal fate awaiting these precious souls.  The harvest is truly plenteous.

Secondly, Jesus said, "... the labourers are few."  Few people are sharing the Gospel with those who are lost.  It is tragic that the American Church is more interested in being "relevant" or "entertaining," than reaching souls for Christ. 

Next, Jesus instructed His disciples, "Pray ye..."  Since the need is so great, Jesus challenged His followers to pray about the situation.  Prayer is another vital work that believers are weak in. 

Notice what Jesus asked His disciples to pray about, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."  A. W. Pink once wrote, "It's true that (many) are praying for a worldwide revival. But it would be more timely, and more scriptural, for prayer to be made to the Lord of the harvest, that He would raise up and thrust forth laborers who would fearlessly and faithfully preach those truths which are calculated to bring about a revival." 

We need to pray for God to send more laborers into the harvest.  Many people overseas have never heard the Gospel and we should pray for God to raise up missionaries to go to these unreached groups. There are many in our own country that needs to hear the Gospel.  Pray that God would send great soul winners throughout our land.  There are those in our communities, work places and families who need Jesus.  Pray for the Gospel to change the lives of those dearest to us.

While you're praying for God to send more laborers into the harvest, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you could be the answer to your prayer.  You have the Gospel seed.  Don't die with it still in your hand.