MATTHEW 9:37-38
Jesus usually taught making use of stories that reflected the occupations of the time and farming illustrations are numerous in Scripture. He used planting and harvesting to illustrate spreading the gospel and bringing in and taking care of those who believed. In Matthew chapter 9, He reminded the disciples of the need for more labourers.
The need for labourers for the Lord’s harvest is still substantial today. Although Christians are found in many parts of the world, they often represent a minimal fraction of the population. Many people have never heard the gospel of Christ before or need to hear it again.
The problem is that we fail to perceive how great the need is. Perhaps we are so comfortable that we are ignorant of the great multitudes outside who are still without the Gospel. Time is running out. Who knows when the dark clouds of God’s judgment will break out? The task is definitely an urgent one. There is no doubt that much work needs to be done, and it must be done without delay. But who will do the work? Why are there so few labourers for the Lord’s harvest?
The late Dr. James Ukaegbu once rephrased the Lord’s statement in this way: “The Harvest is Plenty, You are the Labourer!”
Photo: AMIT RANJAN
