Do you know what this is?
Most do not.
This implement is a disc harrow. It is pulled by a tractor and has one–and ONLY one–function in farming: It breaks up hard, unplowed soil. My first job as a child was pulling one of these. I was, oh, I’m not even sure… ten, maybe eleven?
Sowing and reaping get all the glory in Christian circles. Most Believers have at least heard these concepts (sometimes manipulatively used to raise money). In my experience growing up on a farm, I can tell you that NOTHING will be sown or reaped until the hardness of the soil is first broken.
Today’s Scripture passage is a famous one. Most people are aware of Jesus’ instruction to pray for workers to be sent into the harvest. This, of course, is a metaphor for spiritual things. I do not think anyone today would question that there is a great need for a spiritual harvest in the world today. To use another farming metaphor, it appears that our fields are becoming overgrown with weeds.
This being the case, there is a great need for disc harrows. The disc harrow is pulled over hard, unbroken, overgrown soil. It is pulled over and over and over until the soil is beautifully broken, soft, and ready to be plowed, then planted, fertilized, tended, and allowed to produce. After all this–and ONLY after all this work–is a harvest ready to be taken.
When most Believers hear this instruction of Jesus, they think it is a good idea. But they almost always see the harvesters as someone else–never them. They are not the ones to go out there. “Send them, Lord.”, they pray. Some actually mean it.
How about praying instead, “Send them, Lord–and show me what You need me to do.” This is hardly EVER prayed. And this is to our shame.
The world is dark and the harvest truly is great. God needs human workers in this harvest field because this is the way He set it to work. God committed authority over this planet into human hands at Creation (read it in Genesis) and it has not changed since. His authority is expressed through us. This is why He needs us to be willing to work.
You know me by now; you know I will have a question. So, here is my question for you today: Are you willing to pray for workers to be sent into the harvest–beginning with you?
I challenge you to pray Jesus’ instruction this way: Ask God to send YOU into His harvest field. There is much work to be done. You may be spiritually driving a tractor, pulling a disc harrow, breaking up hard soil. You may be plowing, planting, fertilizing, weeding… only God knows. But do SOMETHING!
Do not sit on the sidelines thinking, “Someone else will do it.” You are waiting on God? He is waiting on YOU. And what can you do? Only what God instructs you to do. It may not be great. It could be simple. It will be what fits you best.
Are you willing? Will you ask God what He needs you to do? Think on these things as you read today’s passage. Hear Jesus’ instruction as being to you personally. Why? Because it is.
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Mar. 15, 2023:
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.” (Mat 9:36-38 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, when people read Your command to pray for workers to be sent into the field, they almost always see it as someone else. Some may be willing to pray, but to go is another matter entirely. I ask You to send workers into Your harvest–beginning with me. Challenge my thoughts, motives, and comfort with the task You have for me to do. Do whatever You need to do to make it so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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‘Today’s Seed’ from E-MIN • Mar. 15, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Rayah. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
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