Matthew 9:37-38……working

Matthew 9:37-38……working

9:37  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask (The verb is an active imperative to pray. It isn’t optional) the Lord of the harvest, (Lit.-“Master of the yield” or “Chief of the harvest”) therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ( Were to pray for people to be Saved and I pray for leaders who will seek out people of peace (apostles). (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches though not all are called to preach, all are called to serve and witness for Christ.” ⇒ Do we say “I don’t have the gift to share my faith” that’s why we pay the Pastor. Do we sit in the pews and listen to the Pastors message shaking our heads saying, “How awful!” and then go on with life as usual ? Or, do we try and do something about it to make a difference. As Christians, we are all called to do something about the ills of society. Positive changes in our society will not come about until there are more people in this world who know God, and are willing to share God with those who don’t know God.

“Teaches how we don’t go into ministry by our own strength, ingenuity, or how we think we should go, but always in prayer first ”→ Prayer is not a secondary part of the work, but the very foundation on which the work depends. Before the disciples were sent out, they first had to learn that the mission belongs to God, not to them. Prayer keeps the servant dependent on the Lord, sensitive to His direction, and strengthened by His power. Without prayer, ministry can quickly become driven by human effort, personal strategy, or outward activity. But through prayer, we acknowledge that only God can open hearts, provide workers, create opportunities, and bring lasting fruit. Therefore, every act of service, every missionary endeavor, and every Gospel conversation should begin, continue, and end in prayer.

“Even today, believers are to pray for opportunities to talk to people about Jesus. Whether it’s in our community, neighborhood, office, home, school, market, gym, coffeeshop, etc.” ⇒ Windows of opportunity to talk to others about Jesus can be brief. The time you have to witness too alcoholic or drug addict might be short. They may not be around that much longer. The time you have to witness to a coworker might be limited. They may be transferred or let go. The time you have to witness to someone you just happened to bump into on the street or the bus might not happen again.

Additional Notes & applications 

Warns against entering ministry without prayer, preparation, and spiritual grounding

Teaches the importance of praying before choosing your team, asking God who He wants you involved with in achieving His work and will.

 –harvest- The agricultural time of season (April-June) in which ripened crops of wheat and barley are gathered in. When it’s harvest time you don’t wait or you can lose the harvest. Fruit can start to rot on the trees. Metaphorically it symbolizes people who are ripe for the judgment of God. But in this case it is people who are ready to receive God. This can also have a global view of taking the Gospel around the world.