Chapter 9

                "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."  The harvest are people who are ready to hear the good news of the gospel.  The problem was that Jesus said there weren't enough people to tell the gospel.  He exhorted the disciples to pray for more people that would share the gospel.  This quote from verse 37 & 38 has been used by missionary organizations as their "slogan".  There are people all over the world who have never heard the gospel.   Some, who have never even heard the name Jesus before!  Although I think there is much need for preaching the gospel all over the world as Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." [emphasis mine] I also think there is much need for preaching the gospel in your area.  You have been placed with your spouse (if applicable), in your house, on your street, in your community, at your workplace,  in your town/city, in your country for a purpose- God's.  God's purpose for all his children is to glorify Him and make His name known.  If we know that is our purpose, then why don't we start doing it!  Many of us (including myself) have wondered what our purpose is.  We have prayed and asked Him,  "What do you want me to do?"  He has already shown us in His word what He wants us to do!  [Matthew 28:19, Isaiah 43:6-7, Psalm 86:12, Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 96:3, Isaiah 12:4] are some examples.   If you aren't obeying what He has already told you to do, then why would He ask you to do more?  If you're a parent, go here with me:  If your child's chores are to do dishes, feed the cat and take out the garbage, and he is not doing these chores well, lazily or at all,  would you add more chores to his list?  Probably not.  God is the same!  If He has asked you to glorify Him in all you do, do it!  If He has asked you to preach the gospel, do it!  Before He can trust that you will do more for His glory, He needs you to show Him you are faithful with what He already has asked you to do.  Look around.  Ask the Lord, "Who are you calling to yourself, and how can I join you?"  Give everyday to Him and let Him direct it and accept anything that happens in it.  Be joyful, always!  Love others.  Serve others.  Be hospitable.  The Bible is full of things to get doing!  What's amazing, is that by doing- you are preaching the gospel.  Preaching the gospel is not only by your words, but also how your life reflects Jesus being Lord of your life: how you work, how you react, how you love, how you put others first, how you talk, what you watch, how you present yourself, what your treasure is, how you spend money, etc.  

                Let us respond to Jesus in saying, "Jesus send me into the harvest!"  "Use me!"  "Do whatever it is in me and through me!"  "I am yours, and my life is for you alone!"  "Who are you calling, and how can I be apart of it?"  Then watch, listen.  See how Jesus responds to you.  He might send a new friend your way.  He might open a door with an old-time friend.  Someone might ask you for the hope in which you have [Ephesians 1:18].  Be ready. God wants to use those that are willing.  So if you are, be ready to see Him at work!

On Matthew Chapter 9

Leanne