Laborers in the Harvest Fields

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 (KJV)

The needs of the people are always great, but God is greater. Jesus went from city to city and village to village, teaching, preaching, and healing. That was His three-fold ministry. He would teach and preach the Word to get their needs met.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:36-38 (KJV)

There was a great need to reach people and that need is still here today. Jesus tells us what to do so that this need can be met: pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into the harvest fields. Who are the laborers? The next verses give us a clue.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew 10:1 (KJV)

Jesus calls His twelve closest disciples and gives them power to heal and cast out devils. These are the men later called Apostles, or sent ones- commissioned by Jesus to go into the harvest fields.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:5-8 (KJV)

Jesus told them to preach, or proclaim God’s kingdom, the fact that God’s rule has come. This rulership is where we rule over sickness, disease, death, and devils. This authority and power has been given to us and we are to freely use it for others. It is God’s power but we are the vessels it flows through.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:9-16 (KJV)

We are all called as laborers into the harvest field in one capacity or another. God has promised to provide whatever is needed to do His work. He will line up the resources and all the connections needed to fulfill His call. God has people lined up to help us as we do the work of the Lord. Those who answer the call of God to help will be blessed and will benefit from supporting the work of the kingdom- those who do not will be left in the dust.

When people do not receive us, we must not take it personally. They are not rejecting us but God. Shake it off and go on. Don’t let it hold you back. Move on to those who will receive you and your message. Let God judge such circumstances and don’t be bitter or offended.

We are being sent as sheep among wolves. We must be wise- prudent, straight-forward, and discerning. We have to use our brains and the gifts of the Spirit to avoid harm. We are to be harmless, not hurting anyone, but also wise in order to preserve our lives. As we go forth into the harvest fields, we do the work of the Lord, balancing love and kindness with God’s wisdom. As we do, the great harvest will be brought in successfully.