From Justin Simpson who is in a home church in Heathmont, Vic.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’ (Matthew 9.36-37)
Today I sat out the front of Boronia Safeway, praying for what God wants to do in this community, smiling at people and having the occasional chat with people. I saw one lady who was limping quite severely and I asked her if I could pray for her, which she accepted gratefully. There were quite a few down-trodden people, whose pain showed through clearly. There were plenty of people just going about their day-to-day lives.
Jesus came to share the Good News of God’s Kingdom – his love and authority – with people who didn’t know him. When Jesus saw people who hadn’t experienced his grace and freedom, he didn’t judge them, but rather he had compassion for them. Jesus instructed his disciples to pray that more people would go out and share God’s Kingdom with people and communities who don’t know him. He said there were people who were ready to receive God, if only someone would share his love with them.
As his disciples, Jesus also instructs us to pray to him for more people to go out, to the local community and to the nations, and share God’s love.
What does it mean for you to go out into the fields and harvest?
Do you see the people in your life who don’t know Jesus? Do you respond to them with compassion?
Do you pray for Jesus to send out more people to share God’s Kingdom with people who don’t know him?
A prayer.
Jesus, you are Lord of the harvest. Please send more people into your fields, to share your love. Please send me into your fields, into my community and our world, to share your love. Thanks for your compassion and patience towards me. Please help me see people how you see them, and love them with your love. Help me live Good News. Your Kingdom come!