Matthew 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
In the previous verses, Jesus had been going all around the area, healing the sick, casting out demons and he even brought a young girl back to life. Many people had heard about all of this and had come to where he was, and he said to his disciples that all these people were like lost sheep without a shepherd. The above referenced verses are not referring to the autumn season in which most crops are harvested. Like it says in the book of Ecclesiastes however, there is a time to plant and a time to reap. If there are no workers to bring in the harvest then the crop will perish/rot on the vine. When Jesus looked out over the vast crowd, he knew that the harvest was ready, but there were few workers to bring it in. Out of compassion and not wanting any to perish, he commanded his disciples to earnestly pray, and ask the Lord of the harvest, to send out more workers. Here it is almost October and my wife’s home health aide has our house all decorated for fall. I’m sitting here tonight looking at a basket in the center of the coffee table overflowing with plastic vegetables. On either side of this basket are two cornucopia baskets which are also full and overflowing. Seeing this tonight is what brought the above referenced verses to mind and prompted me to write this devotional. Fall is a beautiful time of year, and as a matter fact it is my favorite time of year. Like Jesus however, when I look out and see the condition our world is in, it deeply disturbs me, and I know that like Jesus commanded in the verses referenced above, I too need to be earnestly praying to the Lord of the harvest, to send out more workers. WhisperArt’s focus for the month of September has been the International Mission Board. WhisperArt has been urging people to visit the IMB website and support their efforts of bring in the harvest. Matthew 28:19 also speaks of bringing in the harvest. It is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. So you see, we should always be praying to the Lord of the harvest, to always be sending more and more workers into the his harvest field. Not just in the fall season, but also during every season of the year. This is what the International Mission Board and WhisperArt is all about. Please be in prayer to the Lord of the harvest, asking what you can do. Just like the crowd surrounding Jesus, we were all once/are lost sheep. Praise the holy name of Jesus!
Lost Lamb
It seems as though the levy broke,
I’m up to my neck in muck and mire.
The gates of hell have flung open,
The situation seems grave and dire.
I shall wait upon the Lord,
To deliver me from this ordeal.
He is faithful to His Word,
And His love for me is real.
I shall endeavor to be strong,
In the strength He provides.
I shall wait upon the Lord,
While in His Word I abide.
I am tired, hungry, and cold,
Like a lost lamb from the flock.
Jesus can deliver me from all harm,
And place my feet on solid rock.