Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Matthew 9:35-38

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." (NIV vs. 36-38)

Jesus “making a circuit of all the towns and villages… teaching in their meeting places, reporting kingdom news, and healing their diseased bodies, healing their bruised and hurt lives…” (Msg vs. 35) looked into this sea of battered peoples' lives and his heart broke. The image is of a people harassed by the ravenous wolves of Satan’s minions. Helpless against the lies of the enemy and the power of sin. Like sheep without a shepherd not knowing where to go or how to get there. Jesus is so moved at the overwhelming need that he stops his relentless ministry to the people and turns to the disciples and commands them to pray.

I imagine the disciples puzzled looks. Pray? Pray for what? Are you not the answer to our prayers' Jesus? Are you not leading the most dynamic and anointed ministry we have ever seen? Are you not the one ushering in the kingdom of heaven to earth? Are you not the answer to visions of all our prophets?

Can Jesus really be so overwhelmed by the incredible need he sees before him that he must stop to enlist the prayers of his chosen friends and sent-ones? Is it possible that the Lord seeks for partners in his task of “ever making intercession?” (Heb. 7:25)

The answer is YES! The Son of man having so deeply immersed himself in the sea of humanity suddenly surfaces to proclaim golden fields of wheat so heavy with fruitful seeds that there is a risk that the very seeds will break the stalk and the harvest will be lost. Time is of the essence! The harvest season will not last forever. The Son of God cannot accomplish the work alone.

What is needed? More workers, and not just workers, but workers who have been commissioned, empowered, and sent by the LORD of the harvest. How will these workers be released? By the sons of men earnestly asking, beseeching God for more laborers.

Oh that we would respond to the Lord’s cry! Oh that our knees would become calloused and our floor boards worn! Oh that our hearts would break for what breaks HIS? Oh that we too could see the harvest? Open our eyes Lord Jesus!

Come friends get, “On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” (Msg)