Understaffed Harvest

May 11

(Luke 10:1-9 NIV) ““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. {2} 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. {3} Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. {4} Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. {5} "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' {6} If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. {7} Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. {8} "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. {9} Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'”

(Mark 16:15 NIV) “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to preach, teach, heal, and prepare the way for His coming. He knew they would have problems and face danger, but they would not want for an abundant harvest. They were in the right place, at the right time, and had the right message. Christ’s one lament was that there were not more workers. The harvest was bigger than His disciples could handle. The same is true today. In the average church, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. There are plenty of pew warmers and joy riders, but very few ministry workers. Many come expecting a full range of ministries, but are unwilling to get their hands dirty saving the lost, healing the sick, loving the children, or feeding the hungry. But Christ’s command has not changed. He still says, “Go!” It’s a dangerous job, with very few perks, but it is our mission. Have faith and be among the few. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day