Oct 2, 2023 -- Matthew 9:35-27 -- Pray to the Lord of the Harvest

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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. 36 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 9:35-37 ESV

No doubt in Jesus’ day there were false religions all around Him. Jesus was not politically correct. He was not concerned about offending the feelings of the those who worshiped demons, idols, nature or themselves. In fact, those who worship false gods and false practices are harassed and helpless. The Devil hates those whom he rules. Every single man, woman and each child is made in the image of God. The Devil hates the LORD of Heaven and Earth and cannot attack Him, so the Devil oppresses people, who are made in God's image, and harasses them and drives them deep into addictions, brokenness and afflictions.

The Good News of Jesus is the release He brings from the tyranny of the Devil. Jesus, by His blood, sets people free from the just anger of God against their sins, because Jesus Himself bore that punishment. He is the Good Shepherd Who does not harass His people, but gently leads them. Jesus breaks the strongholds of the enemy and brings them into the tender care of the Father in heaven.

Perhaps Christians who do not pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest likely neglect to do so because they themselves are still toying with sin and struggling with basic obedience. Perhaps Christians do not pray constantly to the Lord of the Harvest because their own faith is so cold they can’t imagine Jesus as the Healer, the Chain-breaker, and the Giver of life.

If you have not been praying, fervently and regularly for those who are unsaved, ask yourself why that is. Confess your anemic faith. Pray for the Spirit’s powerful presence to stir up in you the great awareness of Jesus as your Good Shepherd Who has broken the Devil’s hold on you, turned aside God’s wrath, and is leading you into greater holiness. Pray for the Spirit's corrective work in you so that you will realize our God in heaven is the Good Father. Then, renewed in His salvation, get to the work of praying for those who are not yet saved.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for our lackluster faith and our callous attitude towards those who are in the Devil’s death grip. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest! Thank You that He left the splendours of heaven and in loving obedience to You rescued ruined and lost sinners who were subject to Your wrath Thank You, Father and King Jesus, for the blessed work of Your Spirit within us. Spirit of the Living God, give us renewed joy in Jesus that leads to ever greater obedience and a longing for the salvation of those who do not yet know You. For yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/H8QN8bTR1k0?si=ItzRC6nf8przyDof “Father, Let Your Kingdom Come”

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