One day as I drove by a vineyard located several miles from my house, I noticed a sign that read: Fieldworkers needed. For just a moment I imagined myself hard at work, standing between rows of vines with the sun on my neck and sweat on my face. I could almost smell the fruit ripening in the summer heat and feel myself snapping clusters of grapes from beneath broad leaves.
My brief longing to be a part of a harvest reminded me of Jesus’ words, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Jesus wasn’t talking about grapes. He was talking about people—Spirit-ripened people who were ready to receive the gift of eternal life but needed to hear how to do so (John 4:36).
I wonder if the disciples truly understood what Jesus meant by “the harvest is great.” Did they know that they would be meeting plenty of people who would respond to their message? Their time in the fields would yield a massive, bountiful harvest of changed lives.
As for the problem of so few workers, Jesus’ answer was simple. Pray. Instead of asking His followers to take too much work on themselves, He urged them to ask “the Lord who is in charge of the harvest . . . to send more workers into his fields” (Matthew 9:38). Even while they worked for His kingdom, Jesus wanted them to rest in God’s sovereignty and provision.
We aren’t responsible for whether or not the people we witness to receive Jesus as their Savior. They may reject the gift God offers. As we go out into the fields, however, we can remember that the One in charge of the harvest has equipped and empowered us by His Spirit to be His witnesses.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 3:1-15
More:
Read John 15:5 to see how believers depend on Jesus as “the vine.” Consider Galatians 6:9 and Psalm 126:5-6 when you experience difficulty while doing God’s work.
Next:
In Matthew 10:7-14, Jesus urged His disciples to tell people about Him for “the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” As His modern-day disciples, what can we learn from His words?
Gary Shultz on April 13, 2017 at 5:36 am
Hi Jennifer: The vine, grapes, and the vineyard are interwoven throughout scripture, so thoughts may possibly be rooted there, as you have attested. It is a great growing lesson example, maybe we should be instructed to consider the grape. However, the example brings us back to Christ and His request to us to work the fields. A very good magnification of Christ’s words, thank you, pray for more workers. You are fulfilling that prayer today by awakening us to Christ’s words and a kind reminder that we are only part of the work force, pray to the Lord for more help. In doing this you also show us that encouragement is needed to bring workers to the field. I would agree the message is the same, but working some fields is a work that requires, wisdom, endurance, and patience. I would also pull from this that it may be a good time to be reminded that we pray for God to lead us to someone today. Thanks Jennifer
jennifer benson schuldt on April 13, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your encouraging words! When I read your post, I had a thought about prayer. Prayer is so necessary because it helps us realize that God loves and cares about people just as much (and more) as we do! He wants to “go deep” with us and get to know us through His Son. May all Christians be empowered to represent His love for people everywhere!
don777 on April 13, 2017 at 5:41 am
Amen, Amen, Amen. We are called to go out & work. We are not any ones savor. This take the burden off us and puts it on Jesus. There is only one Savor, JESUS!
Jeremiah 23:4 (NLT) 4 Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord, have spoken!
Amos 9:9 (NLT) 9 “For I will give the command and will shake Israel along with the other nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, yet not one true kernel will be lost.
John 17:12 (NLT) 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
Matthew 11:28 (NLT) 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
+>i 🙂
jennifer benson schuldt on April 13, 2017 at 1:32 pm
don777,
Thank you for your comments and for these verses. Let’s also remember the Holy Spirit’s role in this part of our spiritual lives! The Holy Spirit enables us to share the good news 1 Peter 1:12.
Here is something encouraging to ponder for those of us who know Him already: 1 Peter 1:21-23.
May God bless you today.
Tom Felten on April 13, 2017 at 7:40 am
Jen, such a good reminder that the “fields” are all around us. We each have opportunities to reveal the beauty of Jesus to those in our spheres of influence. May we open our eyes and truly see others as God does!
jennifer benson schuldt on April 13, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Tom, Yes! This year God has shown me more about His beauty than I have ever known before. The Christian life is a journey, and I am thankful to be able to share what God is teaching me. It is a joy to share the goodness and greatness of God with others.
pilong56 on April 13, 2017 at 11:47 pm
Pilong56
Try to spread the Good News meaning the whole world can even try to the word of God. It’s his dream to try to spread the word of the gospel of Jesu Christ.Meaning it’s here,
the King of Jews,The Son of David and The Messiah,in tn3words The son of God,The Trinity,and the Father of God of Heaven.
Love,Sarang,Liebe,Amore
Bobby.Park (bobbypark66@gmail.com) The son of the late Father of pilong56.
pilong56 on April 13, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Pilong56
Try to spread the Good News meaning the whole world can even try to the word of God. It’s his dream to try to spread the word of the gospel of Jesu Christ.Meaning it’s here,
the King of Jews,The Son of David and The Messiah,in 3words The son of God,The Trinity,and the Father of God of Heaven.
Love,Sarang,Liebe,Amore
Bobby.Park (bobbypark66@gmail.com) The son of the late Father of pilong56.