Bread of Life Voice

TOPIC: MANY HARVESTS, FEW LABORERS (Matthew 9:37-38)

MINISTER: BRO. ERNEST NWEGBO

Introduction:

Matthew 9:36-38 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

From the bible reference above, Jesus had envisioned the kind of harvests present, he then looked at the workers available, it got him bothered.

This statement from Jesus was made about 2000 years ago, in a rational sense, the statement is supposed to be invalid by now, because 2000 years is enough to produce enough labour force or work force to gather the harvest. But it is so unfortunate that it is still valid up till now. Even, the harvests are multiplying at a faster rate and laborers diminishing in numbers and quality.

In Evangelization, which is the heart of the church, we ‘re called to spread the message, the reason is because we ‘re saved to save others.

What is a harvest?

Harvest is a period of gathering. Harvest time is suppose to be a joyous time. A farmer who is gathering what he planted the previous season is always happy ans joyous during the harvest time, but unfortunately, in evangelization, it is seen as a burden and people tend to run away from it. It is expected that after planting, the expectation is to have a bountiful harvest, and when we ‘re gathering these farms produce, there is joy that comes with it. This should also be applicable when we ‘re gathering souls that are ripe to join the fold of Christ, we should be happy about bringing them to Christ – Luke 15:7,10 says; there is a great joy in heaven over one soul that repents.

You come to a church on Sunday, you see more than 5000 congregants, why do we then have few laborers? This confirms the words of Christ that many are called but few are chosen. There is no true evangelization if the name, the light and the mission of Jesus is not proclaimed. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:18), therefore, let’s boldly tell the world about the salvation in Jesus.

The Urgency of Time – Large Harvest, Few Laborers

1. Human souls created by God are wasting. This is purely against the will of God who gave his only begotten son as a ransom. 2Peter 3:9, 1Timothy 2:4, Ezekiel 33:11, Isaiah 30:18

2. It is urgent because there is no more time. It is called perilous time. 1Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4

3. God’s anger is on preachers who abandoned this just course. Ezekiel 33:7-9.

Haven known the urgency of time, what do we do?

1. Set your priorities right. It’s too appalling that some Christians don’t even know what priorities mean. They live their life by what each day brings. Òchaa acha, gbuta… Òchaghi acha, gbuta. People who live like this are visionless. Always choose to work for the Lord and make it a priority.

2. There is no room to entertain fear. The work you are called to do is not yours, it’s the work of God. Fear will only enhance the suffering of the God’s work. The scripture says that the Spirit we received is not of timidity.

3. Fan the zeal into flame. Allow the fire of evangelization to consume you. Jesus said; “your zeal has consumed me oh Lord”. Pray to God to set your heart on fire and rekindle the passion for soul winning.

4. Create a room for prayers and fasting. These enhance fortification of the spiritual man and add fire to the message. Through prayers, you can break every rocky heart. In Acts 2:37 – after Peter spoke to the crowed during Pentecost, the word of God hit them so hard that they began to ask the Apostles; what shall we do then brethren?

5. Digest the word and seek knowledge. Knowledge will help you to solve a lot of puzzle concerning the things of the spirit. People are looking at what you can offer, but you can’t give or offer what you don’t have. There ‘re souls waiting to be released and wandering like sheep’s without shepherds because you refused to assume the office of an Evangelist.

Conclusion:

Brethren, there are large harvests out there, and there is an urgent need for workers to be employed. Fortunately, we have been employed by God himself, but unfortunately, many are ghost workers in God’s vine yard. We will give account of every soul entrusted onto our hands when the roll is called on the last day.

Peace be with you!!