“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:38
The first job I ever had was at a local radio station. I started as a part-time employee, working the weekends. I knew virtually nothing about broadcasting. Back then, a lot of the programming was automated, so the operator's primary duty was to make sure the right commercials were lined up to run and the reel-to-reel tapes of music did not run out.
After a month or two, my part-time job grew into a full-time job. I worked at that radio station for eleven years. I learned a lot from that job.
These days, it is isn't uncommon to see businesses advertise for workers. Even though the economy is struggling, here in WV there are jobs available. In my area, the big problem is finding workers who can pass a drug test. Sad, isn't it?
Our Lord instructed His disciples to, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” There is a dire need for workers in the harvest field. There is so much to do and few people to do the work.
Those who labor in the harvest field must be “sent forth” by the “Lord of the harvest.” In other words, God calls and equips people to serve. He gives them the assignment where they should serve. For a few, this assignment takes them overseas as missionaries. For most, they are appointed to serve right where they live.
Do you ever pray for more workers to be sent? You should because Jesus commanded us to pray about this. Pray to the Lord of the harvest. Specifically ask for more laborers to be sent. The work is overwhelming and time is fleeting. Pray for more workers to be sent.
The big question is this. Are you working in the harvest field? You have family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends who are lost. Perhaps you've been praying for God to send someone to speak to these individuals. Has it ever occurred to you that the worker God has in mind … is you?
While you pray for more workers, I think it is important to volunteer yourself. Be like Isaiah, who said, “Here am I, send me!”
I'll admit that laboring in the harvest field is exhausting work. The field is large. The heat seems unbearable at times. Many criticize the workers. At times, the work seems unproductive. Paul addressed this when he wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
To be rather candid, most Christians want to enjoy the product of the harvest without investing in the process of the harvest. Yet, the product of the harvest can only come when we invest in the process.
Several years ago, singer and songwriter, Lanny Wolfe, wrote these pensive words:
My
house is full, but my field is empty,
Who
will go and work for Me today.
It
seems my children all want to stay around my table,
But
no one wants to work in my fields.
There is a need for more workers in the field. God is looking for servants, men and women who will work without a title or applause. He is looking for people who will serve faithfully, not part time. He wants people who will willingly work in the harvest field because they love Jesus and are concerned for others.
Will you be that person?
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