A Compassion for the Harvest

Matthew 9:37-38

 “Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." NKJV

Context:    

Matthew 9:35-38 “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Jesus had been teaching, preaching and healing every sickness and disease and it says here after he looked at the multitude in verse 36, “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep with no shepherd.” 

One of the reasons I personally have a heart for the hurting and the lost is because I was one of those sheep.  I was utterly lost and felt so alone searching to find substance and purpose for my life.  It wasn’t until I asked Christ into my heart that I finally felt the peace I had been longing for  - to soothe my empty soul.   My testimony is that of the song; Amazing Grace – Amazing grace how sweet the sound who saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now I’m found, once blind but now I see.

When Jesus saw their weariness he was moved with compassion.  His heart ached for them and asked the disciples to pray for more workers.  The harvest indeed is plentiful but the workers are few. 

Will you pray with me today for more workers for the harvest and also for our hearts to be moved with compassion as Jesus was to reach out to others who are in need and be willing to minister to the poor, the sick and the needy and show them the love of Christ? 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Enlarge our hearts, enlarge our territory and give us compassion for the lost and the weary.  Help us to be obedient when you call and give us a confidence in you and boldness to share the gospel of grace in love to those you send along our path.  Thank you Jesus for your love and grace and for saving us.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen  

John 4:35-36 “Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

Matthew 28:19-20 “ Go therefore  and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Filoiann Wiedenhoff