Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 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.”
—Matthew 9:35-38

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Ready To Work
By Jennifer Kane

_______________________
                   /                       \
                  /     The harvest is      \
                 |        plentiful,        |
                 |   but the workers are    |
                 |          few.            |
                 |  Here I stand, waiting   |
                 |      on my Lord,         |
                  \  With tray in hand,     /
                   \ ready to serve.       /
                    \_____________________/

                 Going through towns,
           Healing the sick, preaching the Word,
              Waiting on God’s timing,
              Serving where I am called.

           “The harvest is plentiful,” You say,
          “Pray for workers,” You command.
               Here I am, Lord, waiting,
               Ready to serve in Your fields.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38

Imagine yourself as a waiter in a bustling restaurant, tasked with delivering the chef’s carefully prepared dishes to the hungry patrons. You don’t create the food, but your role is crucial in ensuring it reaches those who need it. This is the image we can adopt when considering Jesus’ call for laborers in His harvest. As His workers, we are like waiters—servants who deliver the orders of the Lord, bringing His message and compassion to the world.

Jesus’ ministry was marked by relentless compassion and action. He saw the multitudes not just as individuals in need but as sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable and scattered. His heart broke for them, and He moved into action—not deterred by criticism or obstacles, but driven by divine compassion. In the same way, we are called to move beyond our comfort zones, to serve the needs we see around us, fulfilling the Lord’s commission.

The harvest Jesus spoke of is abundant, and the laborers are few. This presents a dual call: to recognize the opportunity before us and to respond with fervor. The harvest is not just about quantity but quality—souls ready to receive the kingdom’s message, yet in need of workers who will go forth with diligence and compassion.

Jesus’ compassion wasn’t passive; it led Him to teach, heal, and minister tirelessly. Similarly, our compassion should move us into action, seeing every interaction as a chance to serve the Lord’s purpose.

Like sheep without a shepherd, people are weary and scattered, seeking direction and care. This spiritual reality calls for shepherd-like laborers who guide, protect, and nurture.

The laborers are not just workers; they are diligent servants, ready to work hard in the fields of the Lord. The intensity of this labor requires divine power and earnest dedication.

Jesus instructs us to pray for more workers, acknowledging that the task is immense and cannot be done by a few. This prayer is a cry for divine intervention to raise up and thrust out laborers who will faithfully serve in the harvest.

Consider where God is calling you to be a laborer in His harvest. Are there opportunities around you where your service can bring His message to others? Reflect on how you can be like the waiter, diligently and compassionately serving the Lord’s orders to a world in need.

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Lord of the Harvest, we see the multitudes, weary and scattered, and our hearts are moved with compassion as Yours was. We pray that You would raise up laborers, including us, to serve in Your harvest. Help us to be diligent, compassionate, and faithful workers, bringing Your gospel and healing to a world in need. Amen.

January 9 2025