Laborers for the Harvest

Everywhere Jesus went He touched people.

As I read through the ninth chapter of Matthew, I kept a list of his encounters.

He got off the ship and was immediately met with a people bringing him a paralyzed man. He forgave the man and then healed the man.

He left and passed Matthew collecting taxes and called him to follow.

Along the way He debated with the Pharisees who seemed to swarm around Him like mosquitoes. They didn’t stop Him, but they were always there biting at Him.

He met the ruler whose daughter was ill. On the way to heal her, He healed the woman with the issue of blood. After healing the ruler’s daughter, He healed two blind me who could not keep their mouths shut about what Jesus had done for them.

Then He met a man possessed with a devil who could not speak. He cast out the devil, and the man was able to tell others.

After all this, Jesus looked over the multitude with compassion and said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

I look at Jesus’ day, and I think, “Whew”! He had eyes for people. He was focused on people and their needs.

And I wonder, what am I focused on?

Father, give me eyes to see the needs around me. Give me a willing heart and willing hands to reach out and touch those I see. Let me be one of Your laborers, Lord. Let me bear a part of Your burden. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Photo - Florida Hay Fields, Beth Mims