April 21, 2022 -- Matthew 9:26-38 -- Pray to the Lord of the Harvest

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:36-38 ESV

Currently, all around my city, Moncton, NB., there are signs in store windows, restaurants and gas stations “Apply within”. All kinds of jobs are available. I heard that one of the fast-food restaurants is even offering a $200.00 signing bonus. There is a lot of work available and there is a huge work-force sitting at home. Many people who are not prepared to go out and get a job.

When Jesus entered a town He healed the sick; He cast out demons; He taught as one who has authority; He had compassion on those who were harassed. Those who are followers of Jesus Christ cannot be all those things to all the people in need. The one who follows Jesus Christ is given talents, spiritual gifts, so that according to the gifting he has been given by the Holy Spirit, he’ll have a Christian inclination and ability to meet a need.

Some Christians want equitable distribution of food and appropriate housing and as they advocate for this are regularly mentoring those in need; it is a harvest field. Some Christians love to educate others, it is a harvest field. Some Christians are great at meeting their neighbours by getting involved in community events; it is a harvest field. Some Christians are wonderful at helping those who are in physical distress or mental distress; it is their harvest field. Some Christians are fitness buffs; it is their harvest field to share this passion and use it to reach others.

The command to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” is in fact a command aimed at you, Christian, to see where you fit in God’s plan to preach the Gospel. By your words, putting to use your skills and actions you will reach the lost. The harvest field will be gathered. There are help wanted signs all around you. Your particular gift mix is needed right now. Pray. Get up and answer that help wanted sign to the glory of the Lord of the Harvest.

Lord of the Harvest, thank You for Your great compassion for Your people. Thank You that we ourselves have experienced Your great grace and healing love. Lord of the Harvest, send out labourers into the harvest field so that the Father's love will be deeply felt and embraced by many. Lord of the Harvest, continually fill us by by Your Spirit so that endlessly supplied with all grace, mercy, and peace which is anchored in Jesus' accomplished work, Your labourers will be prepared for the hardships and victories; the suffering and the blessing of shepherding. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Ngoit0sRTWY

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.