The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field…Yet be sure of this: ‘The kingdom of God is near.'
Businesses sometimes hang out a sign, Help Wanted. Here the Teacher indicates God’s Business needs more job applicants. He instructs His students to pray for more workers.
Earlier Jesus sent out the Twelve! Now He sends out Seventy-two more students to preach the kingdom is near.
What does He mean by near?
Is it the kingdom is near in time, soon to come in their lifetimes? Or the kingdom is near, as in accessible to everyone?
Yes! Both ideas are correct. Jesus came to bring the kingdom of God to earth and make a way for everyone to be a part of it!
The Teacher also said the harvest is plentiful. There are many who did not know about God’s kingdom. This is still true!
While millions today follow Jesus, millions more do not. The fields are still ripe for harvest. Help Wanted!
Students still bring this message to the world by their active participation in the kingdom. By the changes in their lives as they become more like the Teacher! And by telling the good news about Jesus!
And students of Jesus still pray to God for more workers!
He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.
"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths."
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty harsh statement. From what they had seen, they should have been convicted to follow Jesus.
I think the same of most Americans who deny Him. Scientists who know the physical earth yet won't admit there had to be a creator.
People who have been incredibly blessed and think they did it all.
Christians who know of God's blessings and His working in their lives, yet who still willingly turn back to worldly ways.
On one hand, this baffles me. Then I wonder, have faithful Christians really done a good job at showing the world around us how God works in our lives? Maybe I need to shine brighter - so that others can see, and know, and turn to God.