“Then saith he unto his disciples, ‘The harvest is truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’” (Matthew 9:37-38)
As we progress through November farmers are beginning to wrap up their season of harvesting the seeds they planted last spring. The seeds are planted by farmers; however, it is God that brings the growth. He sends rain and warmth that allow plants to grow, yet it takes the care and nurture of humans for plants to not get choked out by weeds.
The metaphor of planting seeds and tending to them and then harvesting can be seen in evangelism—planting and sowing the seeds of the gospel in the lives of others. Now is the day, there is still time to share the truth that is found in Jesus Christ alone. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the only way to heaven, not one way among many. Please do not just take my word for it; check out the Word of God and read the words of Jesus!
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Soon we will begin preparing for Advent (a time to celebrate and ponder the first coming of Jesus Christ and prepare for His return); while remembering that Jesus grew and lived amongst us—He experienced everything we experience. We can turn to Him in confidence. He understands us perfectly. He is our high priest interceding for us. This should motivate us to share Jesus with those in our lives.
Now more than ever, we should be engaged in sharing the gospel with those around us. It is important to remember that for us as Christians, the harvest is great but there are few to work, as we see above in the Scripture from Matthew. Time is getting short! One day it will be too late to share!
In John 4:35 we are reminded that the harvest is now, therefore, we need to be ready to harvest now. Are we feeling this sense of urgency? If not, why? The eternal souls of men, women, boys, and girls are in peril. Just how valuable is a soul?
We have a wonderful story to share with others about what Christ has done in and with our lives! It does not have to be dramatic, such as deliverance from drug addiction. Some people will never hear the Good News unless we tell them. Do not forget: the best way to get started with this endeavor is with a lot of prayer for guidance and strength. Then let our actions and how we treat others speak for us. However, we will also need to use our words, our testimony speak to others.
What do our actions say about us? Do we walk our talk or does or walk say something far different than our talk?
How do we go about sharing Jesus and the plan of salvation?
Our focus, especially at first, should be on caring for the person first—earning the right to share Christ. Love, we are to share Jesus with others in love—no condemnation—love, allow the Holy Spirit to do the work He is to do. If we allow our flesh to take over, we can do far more harm than good.
In the end, the things we do for Jesus, with no expectation of recognition or praise will last for all eternity. We will not know until we reach heaven how much good we have done for the kingdom.
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As I was preparing this entry, a song came to mind (a thanksgiving hymn); it is one that I am not very familiar with We Plow the Fields and Scatter.
Please join me in prayer:
Dear Lord, we come to You eager and also with a degree of fear to be sent out to Your harvest fields. Prepare us to lead others to You. Help us to listen well to what others tell us, so that we can help them effectively and not cause them to be lost forever. Provide us with the words and tools that we will need. May how we live our lives point to You and match the words we say. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
