Laborers for the Harvest

Send forth laborers.

Matthew says of Jesus, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). It was then that Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37, 38).

The world’s population has passed the seven billion mark.

The task of preaching the gospel to the lost is enormous. In spite of the technological advances of this century men are still dying every day having never heard of Jesus. Something must be done.

Taking the gospel to the world is not an impossible mission.

The early church did it without all of the modern tools at our disposal. At a time when transportation was slow and dangerous, they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Without the aid of radio, television or newspapers they made inroads throughout their world (Colossians 1:6). Can we do the same? Yes, but we must imitate their example.

First, we must be convinced that Jesus truly was the Son of God, and that he conquered death.

There was not the slightest doubt on the part of those first disciples as to who he was or what he did. They understood that every man’s salvation hinged on a relationship with him. There was no salvation in any other (Acts 4:12).

Second, they believed in the importance of their mission.

They were willing to make any sacrifice. They faced all kinds of obstacles. They were arrested, beaten, threatened, executed, yet they kept on. They counted it a joy to suffer for him (Acts 5:41).

Third, they never tired of telling others about him.

Luke says of them, “Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). They could not be quiet. Souls were at stake.

Fourth, each did what he could.

Following the persecution which developed after the death of Stephen, “they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Luke makes a point of telling his readers that the apostles remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). These were ordinary Christians taking the message to the lost. Good news has to be shared. They could not be quiet.

Fifth, they never let failure or discouragement get the best of them.

They were not always successful (Acts 24:25; 26:28), but they never gave up.

The harvest is still great, and the laborers are still few.

Jesus calls for workers. Are you willing to serve him? Start by learning of Him and accepting His salvation.

Salvation:  Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully