Thursday 17 July, 2014

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues. He preached the good news of the kingdom. And he healed every illness and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he felt deep concern for them. They were beaten down and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is huge. But there are only a few workers. 38 So ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers out into his harvest field.”

There’s a lot of Jesus action described in this passage. He is teaching, announcing good news, healing, seeing the crowds and feeling compassion for them. Then he speaks directly to the disciples about the size of the spiritual harvest and the lack of workers (disciple makers). Finally he directs them to respond by praying – to The Lord in charge of the harvest – asking Him to send more workers in His fields.

Much of the time I can feel the weight of the harvesting on my own shoulders, reliant on my own efforts and skills. It is true I need to be ready to speak, to share, to pray, to respond – and be a harvest worker. But I am reminded here that Jesus direction is to remember who is in charge of the harvest and ask Him to send workers. I need to act – but it is not all up to me. The Lord of the harvest is committed to bringing it in. As I continue to be active in “in my going – making disciples” I also need to be active in asking the Lord of the harvest to send more workers. He will respond to my prayers. It’s His harvest.

Lord, the harvest is ripe – send more workers in your harvest field. And Lord – use me.

Written by Ps. Linda Quinn