November 10, 2004

THE LORD OF THE HARVEST

"Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38, NKJV).

In the setting of John 4:35-38, Jesus spoke of the harvest as the gathering in of men and women into the kingdom of God in response to the proclamation of the gospel. Jesus used the figure of the harvest in connection with the prolific response of the Samaritans of Sychar to the invitation, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did" (John 4:29, NIV).

In His stirring message, Jesus urged the disciples, "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35, NIV). To delay can be disastrous for the harvest. Now that the sunshine of mercy is present, the reapers must work while it is day for "the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4, NKJV).

In His parting message to His disciples, Jesus gave the great commission that included the whole of humanity: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The mandate to the disciples to preach, teach, heal, baptize, spread the good news, and prepare "all nations" for the everlasting kingdom is also imperative for the church today. The same passion that moved the Lord of the harvest must also move those who labor in His vineyard.

The eschatological harvest time is rapidly drawing to its close. Now is the time, under the motivation of the Holy Spirit, to lead men and women of all classes, races, and nationalities to Jesus Christ, our soon-coming Saviour. Here's a harvest-time message for God's people: "Near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest."--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 55.

My Prayer Today: Lord, may the Lord of the harvest empower me to gather the sheaves from the world of sin. Amen.