Plentiful Harvest

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Words from a wise teacher indicate that there is no lack of work to be done, only a lack of men to do the work.

Jesus is moving in and out of towns and cities demonstrating his point even before he makes it. Synagogue after synagogue, he proclaims the good news of God’s Kingdom. Person after person, he identifies and heals those who are sick or injured. Toward everyone he looked on, compassion welled up within him. In this powerful teachable moment, the master teacher illustrates to his men what should be done.

The instruction is clear: pray earnestly to the Lord to send out workers. I wonder what the disciples were thinking at this moment. Why didn’t the Master say “go” first? Fortunately for us, this followed soon after. In the very next chapter, Jesus gives empowers them and sends them out. This should sound familiar as it is the very thing he did to start the church.

If you’re a man and you consider yourself a disciple of Christ, the time is now. By all means, pray to God to multiply harvesters for maximum impact. But know that you are both empowered and commanded to go. Make plans to do both and ask God how you can most effectively obey.

DO THIS TODAY: Pray about and start working in the harvest.