"Do We Ignore or Respond?"

By: Zach Wood

Matthew 9:36-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

 

 

This past weekend, my wife and I were driving to a nearby city to do some shopping.  On our way, we passed by quite a few corn fields.  As we drove by, I mentioned to her how dry and lifeless the corn stalks looked in the fields.  I also said that I was surprised that they were not combined yet.  I have seen many combines in the fields on other highways, but not this one so far.  I said to my wife, "These fields were ripe for harvest, but now they look totally dead".  As I continued thinking about the fields, I could not help but think of all the people in the world who look just like the corn fields.  I was reminded quickly of the fact that I am not doing a good job of going after the "ripe harvest" that God has put in front of me each day.  There are people around me each day at work and other places I go that just need to hear a positive word of encouragement and that God loves them. 

 

Each time I read the accounts of Jesus' work on this earth and the people He constantly ministered to with such compassion, it challenges my thinking and heart attitude.  I am amazed that He never became self-centered and thought, "Oh, maybe I'll reach them later.  I need to take care of a few of my own things first."  No!  He never, ever said such a thing!  Jesus Christ was always about His Father's work first!  

 

Just as some corn fields look dead and abandoned, that is exactly how many people around us feel each and every day.  They seem dead to happiness.  They seem lost in confusion.  They do not seem to look forward to anything particular, but are just living to live.  I know that I am surrounded each day by people that are dry and lifeless, just like the lifeless looking corn stalks.  Unlike many of the corn stalks that may not be revivable, each life around us is revivable!  God can revive any life that is not in Him.  He can come into someone's life and bring a whole new color to their dull, colorless life.  However, we need to be the ones to help bring that new color into their lives!  

 

Jesus' words, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" should ring in our ears each day.  The harvest is all around us and we are commanded to reach out to bring revival.  We are the workers.  Are we asking God to give us courage to be sent out and win disciples?  I will admit that I am not doing a very good job.  Sure, I talk about God, but I need to be doing so much more!  His fields are ripe for harvest and we simply cannot ignore them.  We must respond!  Am I willing to respond?  Are you willing to respond?