"And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”—Matthew 9:35-38
When I was younger, I worked for a major retail chain and every Thanksgiving I would finish my pumpkin pie and immediately feel the anxiety of Black Friday set in. It wasn’t necessarily the long hours or the chaotic pace that I feared (to be honest, I found that to be exhilarating). I was fearful of the massive crowds.
The line started forming after Thanksgiving dinner and would build throughout the night. As I watched the line grow, I questioned my capacity and ability to meet everyone’s needs. My facial expressions must have matched my thoughts because at that moment my co-workers and friends reassured me that I wasn’t alone and reminded me that Black Friday was “all hands on deck.”
This phrase, “all hands on deck,” stuck with me through the years. It means all team members are invited to contribute. No one is exempt from the work.
As we examine the scriptures, we find a similar theme among followers of Jesus. John 14:12 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Throughout Jesus’ teachings there is an unmistakable call to action for all believers. Why? The harvest is plentiful.
The harvest is made up of your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances. People you interact with on a regular basis who are hurting, broken, lost, and desperate for a Savior.
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s absolutely incredible that God invites us into the work of ministry. His calling doesn’t stop at salvation. God calls us–imperfect as we are–to make disciples, equip the saints, and do His will on earth.
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Join me in praying for God to send laborers into his harvest: “God, thank you for the faithful men and women who have given their lives to the work of ministry, missions, and Christian service. We ask that you would equip and empower all believers to boldly share the good news of the gospel, we are expectant that you will continue to raise up passionate and gifted vocational ministry leaders within our churches, and we ask for fresh energy and zeal for our seasoned ministry leaders to stay motivated. Lord, we acknowledge that the harvest is yours. So, as your Kingdom advances on earth may you receive all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.”
The line started forming after Thanksgiving dinner and would build throughout the night. As I watched the line grow, I questioned my capacity and ability to meet everyone’s needs. My facial expressions must have matched my thoughts because at that moment my co-workers and friends reassured me that I wasn’t alone and reminded me that Black Friday was “all hands on deck.”
This phrase, “all hands on deck,” stuck with me through the years. It means all team members are invited to contribute. No one is exempt from the work.
As we examine the scriptures, we find a similar theme among followers of Jesus. John 14:12 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Throughout Jesus’ teachings there is an unmistakable call to action for all believers. Why? The harvest is plentiful.
The harvest is made up of your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances. People you interact with on a regular basis who are hurting, broken, lost, and desperate for a Savior.
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s absolutely incredible that God invites us into the work of ministry. His calling doesn’t stop at salvation. God calls us–imperfect as we are–to make disciples, equip the saints, and do His will on earth.
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Join me in praying for God to send laborers into his harvest: “God, thank you for the faithful men and women who have given their lives to the work of ministry, missions, and Christian service. We ask that you would equip and empower all believers to boldly share the good news of the gospel, we are expectant that you will continue to raise up passionate and gifted vocational ministry leaders within our churches, and we ask for fresh energy and zeal for our seasoned ministry leaders to stay motivated. Lord, we acknowledge that the harvest is yours. So, as your Kingdom advances on earth may you receive all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.”
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