Submitted by Curtis Tucker
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 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."
(Matthew 9:35-38, NIV)
(Matthew 9:35-38, NIV)
Harvest Prayer
Here is one of the great examples of the compassion which drove our savior, Jesus Christ. Notice how he saw the crowds of people. He did not see them as a bunch of sinners, or sick people, or outcast. He saw them as harassed and helpless. He saw beneath the surface in order to see real needs. But, I notice something else. Jesus Christ is present, yet there are still people with needs, there are still people who represent the harvest field and Jesus instructs his followers to pray for more workers.
Surely Jesus is confused. Why would they need to pray for more workers when Jesus himself is standing right beside them? Can't he simply touch them, speak to their need, command the harvest to come in...?
My observation is that Jesus is teaching his followers the importance of compassion, seeing below the surface to the real needs of people and then He is saying you (and I) have to get out in the field in order to bring in the harvest. Once again Scripture confirms that God's plan has always been to use us to fulfill His purposes on this earth. Without Mary's womb there is no incarnation. Without Moses lifting up his shepherd's staff the water doesn't part. Without the testimony of the apostles the first century church never goes beyond one generation of Jerusalem believers. We're not saying God can't do it without us, He simply won't do it without us!
Do you have compassion for the world around you?
Are you overwhelmed with the needs that you see?
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more workers.
Dear God, I want to faithfully serve you in the field where you have placed me. Help me to see the needs and have compassion for those around me. Send others to work with me so that together we can experience a harvest.
