Send Out Laborers

"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 ESV

I always thought that this was an interesting grace oriented prayer.

The natural thing would be to put pressure on people to serve but instead Jesus said to ask God to send laborers into His own fields.

If you ever have worked in a department that is understaffed you have seen what it can be like. The people there already have to much to do. They are hoping management will hire people to help.

There are times in our lives where we are looking at real deadlines. That harvest must be brought in or else it will be lost.

Jesus saw needs and had compassion but the need He communicated to His disciples was a 'prayer need.' He didn't say do more until you are exhausted. He said, 'Pray to the Lord of the harvest.' Be someone who sees the need and puts pressure on management.

I'm praying for people to show up in situations. I'm praying that God would send people.

That God would send the wife to the young man that is lonely.
That God would send the caretaker to the older person that needs help.
That God would send the leader and the team to place that need truth.
That God would send the benefactor to help those with monetary needs.
That God would send soul winning people into groups and areas.
That God would send laborers into His harvest field.

Our society teaches us to be the answer we are looking for but I see people who often put pressure on themselves and others in ways that aren't realistic.

I'm going to talk to management today... staying in the mix and by God's grace having eyes of compassion to do what a believing person can do. Not as a slothful complainer but as a responsible contributor. Living as a person investing time and love and believing God.

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