26/07/2024
Luke
When autumn approaches we see the fields of corn and wheat begin to ripen. It means the harvest is ready. But for the bounty of food to be brought in, there have to be those who go into the fields to gather. There have to be workers.
It is the same in God’s Kingdom.
Jesus talked about that. He looked over the fields of people and sent the disciples out two by two. They were to go and tell.
But there were more who needed to hear than there were those who could share, so He admonished the people to pray.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.” If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for S***m than for that town.’” Luke 10:1-12
The great commission is for every single believer. We are all called to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.
Go and tell. It is the job for each of us who are disciples, followers of Christ. But we also are to pray that God will send more workers, more people to share.
Is it a little scary to share your faith?
Sometimes.
We’re not sure of the reaction of friends, family, even casual acquaintances as we share about Christ. Sometimes people may rebuke, refuse, or get angry. It’s true, they might.
But often people feel grateful that someone cared enough to give them a gift, a free gift.
Romans 6:23 teaches us that instead of death Jesus offers life, everlasting, eternal life.
Now that’s quite a gift.
Jesus told the ones who would go not to worry about stuff. They didn’t need clothes, or food, or money. They needed Him.
We don’t have to worry about stuff either. We don’t need fancy clothes or gourmet food or tons of money. We need Him and He will direct us as we share.
We don’t even need to concern ourselves about the results. Some people will accept Jesus as soon as we tell them. Some will not. It has been said that it takes the average person seven touches from the Gospel before they will accept Christ. Maybe you will be the first to ever have shared with the person, so you are touch number one. Don’t worry, there will be more. But maybe, just maybe you are number seven in this “average person” scenario and the person is just like the fields, ripe for harvest.
Again, will it be a little scary to share? Sure. But the benefits of sharing are huge. People, your friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, hear the Gospel message.
Yes, quite a gift.