From Matthew 9:35-38 / The Shepherd at Work.

Note first, that what Jesus was preaching – the Gospel of The Kingdom – is still our message too; The King is coming, and with Him, the fullness of His kingdom. This kingdom, sees sin and all of its effects – destroyed. And as Jesus demonstrated the wonder of the coming Kingdom by proclaiming it, and healing every disease and affliction, it ought to make us so anxious for the day of His return. If we only grasped what we’ve begun to enter into, and what its fullness will be like, John’s prayer “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” would constantly be upon our lips.

Note secondly how it is our God is never, NEVER dispassionate toward the condition and sufferings of those made in His image. Here, He looked on the masses in the cites and villages He was preaching and healing in, not just Believers. And He saw them harassed, helpless and without any to care for their souls. His compassion is the fountain of all blessing and salvation. Compassion on the results of the sin we brought upon ourselves. Oh what a compassionate Christ He is! All mercy and grace toward us. If you do not know Him today, run to Him! He is compassionate toward the guilty and unclean. He knows what your sin has done to you. And still He calls.

Note thirdly the enlistment of the Disciples in His mission; an enlistment which always begins in prayer.

What a high privilege to become co-laborers with God. And this isn’t busy-work, prayer is front line action.

I am not certain that Jesus’ point here is that the people are the harvest, and we need more workers to gather in a “ripe” people. Though this is the most common interpretation. It may also be that the “harvest” is simply the bountiful blessings of God’s provision, and the sad reality is, we have far too few people who will by faith, lay hold of the multitude of blessings He has made ready for us. That we ought to be praying for many multiplied millions to be gathering in His wonderful and abundant blessings to satisfy our souls.

Then too, given the context that Jesus’ concern is a dearth of “shepherds” – the call for laborers is a call for those who will lead, feed and protect the sheep. And truly, there are so very few who will do that as unto Christ’s flock.

Father, make me such a laborer.