The plenteous harvest
Matthew 9:37-38 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.’
The harvest season in the natural world brings forth the fruit of long seasons of labor and cultivation. In the spiritual sense, it symbolizes the readiness of hearts and lives to receive the good news of Jesus Christ and to grow in Him. Yet, Jesus points out that while the harvest is indeed great, the workers are few.
The first step to participating in God’s harvest is to recognize its abundance. Jesus spoke to a crowd of people who were weary, burdened, and searching for hope. He saw them as a field ready for reaping.
This “harvest” of souls, needing love and direction, wasn’t just for Jesus' time; it’s for ours, too. People today are longing for peace, for meaning, for true connection with God. When we look around, do we see this need as Jesus did? Our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and families are full of people longing for something more. Jesus asks us to lift our eyes and see that the fields are ready.
Seeing the harvest is only part of the call. Jesus’ words are a call to action. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers—those who are willing to labor, to pray, to witness, and to serve—are few. God’s abundant harvest requires hands willing to work.
You may think, “I’m not ready,” or “I don’t have the skills.” But Jesus didn’t call only the trained or the perfect; He called ordinary people who were willing. He empowers each of us, wherever we are, to reach out with kindness, with hope, with the love of Christ.
Futhermore, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray for laborers to be sent out into the harvest. Prayer is an active part of God’s plan. By praying, we align ourselves with God’s heart and His purpose. We pray that others might answer the call to serve, but we must be ready for God to call us as well. Sometimes, in praying for the harvest, we become the answer to our own prayer, realizing that God is equipping us to go out.
Finally, the beauty of a plenteous harvest is that it does not rely on our strength alone. Jesus is the Lord of the harvest, and He is the one who prepares hearts, grows faith, and draws people to Himself. We are called to work, yes, but we’re not called to carry the weight of results. God’s Spirit goes before us and works within those we are called to reach. The promise of an abundant harvest rests not on our abilities but on God’s faithfulness.
In conclusions, As we look to the fields around us, the people in our lives, the souls who are searching, we see that God has prepared a season of reaping. But the work requires willing hands, faithful hearts, and prayers lifted up for more laborers. Let us each embrace our role, trusting in the God who brings the increase, and step forward with courage and compassion. The harvest is waiting; may we be among the faithful laborers God sends into His field.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, make me useful in this time of season of harvest in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, send out your labourers into the harvest in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen