Jesus, Lord of the Harvest:
A Call to Action
Jesus, Lord of the Harvest: A Call to Action
When we think of Jesus, many of us picture Him as the Good Shepherd, the Healer, and the King of Kings. But did you know that He is also the Lord of the Harvest? This title, found in Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT), carries powerful implications for us as His followers: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
Here, Jesus describes the world as a harvest field ripe and ready for gathering. The harvest represents people - souls who are ready to respond to the Gospel. However, the workers, those willing to share the Good News, are few. The task is urgent, and Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, is calling us to action.
The Harvest is Ready
Jesus saw that the world was ready for the message of salvation. In John 4:35 (NLT), He says: "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest!" The Greek word for "harvest" is 'therismos', meaning "the gathering of ripe crops." Spiritually, it points to people who are prepared to hear the truth of the Gospel.
Many in our own communities are waiting - those searching for hope, struggling through hardships, and looking for answers. The fields are ripe. The question is: Are we ready to go into them?
Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest
In Matthew 9:38, Jesus instructs us to pray to the Lord of the Harvest, asking Him to send workers into the fields. The Greek word for "Lord" is 'kyrios', which means master, ruler, or one in authority. Jesus is not passively watching over the harvest; He is actively directing it, sending people like you and me into the world to share His message.
But here's the good news: the responsibility to "save" people doesn't rest on our shoulders. Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest. He is in control, leading us to the right people at the right time.
We Are Called to Be Workers
It's easy to think that sharing the Gospel is someone else's job - maybe a pastor, missionary, or evangelist. But in Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT), Paul tells us: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Wherever God has placed you, whether in your job, your family, or your community, you are in the harvest field. You are a worker in the Lord's harvest.
Romans 10:14-15 reminds us that people cannot believe unless someone tells them. We are that "someone." Whether through a kind word, a prayer, or sharing your testimony, you are called to participate in the harvest.
The Joy of the Harvest
Finally, Jesus doesn't send us into the harvest begrudgingly. He invites us into the joy of seeing lives transformed. Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT) paints this picture beautifully: "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." Every soul that comes to Christ brings joy, both in heaven and in our hearts.
There is no greater joy than knowing God has used you to make an eternal difference in someone's life.
Will You Answer the Call?
Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, is calling you today. The harvest is ready, and He is sending us into the fields. Will you answer the call? Look around - your workplace, your neighbourhood, your family - they are your harvest field. Step out in faith and trust that Jesus, who is in charge of the harvest, will guide you.
And if you're reading this today and haven't yet experienced the love of Jesus, know that He is calling you to be part of His harvest. He invites you to find new life, hope, and purpose in Him.
Are you ready to join the Lord of the Harvest?