Luke 10:2 “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
There are certain times when reading the Bible that God opens your understanding to see a portion of the bigger picture. The tenth chapter of Luke is one that reveals the heart of God.
If you were to read this chapter with the topic of winning souls in mind, you could not help but see God’s heart revealed.
First, Jesus reveals the problem – not enough workers. The harvest of souls is the job of every born-again, Bible believer. We have all been commanded by God to give the gospel to everyone everywhere.
Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
In verses 3-11 of Luke 10, we see the commissioning of the disciples to go. Jesus tells them what to take, how to greet them and be accepting of their hospitality. He tells them what to do while they are and what to do if they aren’t received well.
Jesus then upbraids the cities in which they rejected the gospel message He preached.
The disciples return with amazing testimonies of how God worked through them to cast out demons, heal the lame, and raise the dead.
Then, a lawyer approaches Him to ask:
Luke 10:25 “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
In which Jesus asks what he perceives the law to tell him.
Love God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul, and my neighbor as myself is his reply. The two greatest commandments of the law. To which Jesus replies:
Luke 10:28 “And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”
Then, the heart of the lawyer shows his sincere desire to do all that Jesus preached.
Luke 10:29 “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan. He explains how we should view every soul no matter their status, color, race or beliefs. But, from where we are today, we hear Jesus tell us as well.
Then, we see Mary and Martha received Jesus into their home. Mary sits enraptured at Jesus’ feet while Martha is busier with serving. Jesus hears Martha’s complaint and His response is not just for her but to us all.
Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
From beginning to end, the theme is souls and giving the gospel. Intertwined within this narrative, we see the heart of God wanting us to take up the work needed to get the message around the world.
A dear pastor friend shared a simple device he uses to remember to pray for souls to take up the work. At 10:02 every day, he sets the alarm to remind him to pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest.
Not only should we pray for others, but he is reminded to pray for his heart to be “soul conscious” as well. His prayer is that we not allow others to pass us by without asking the Holy Spirit for guidance for who to talk to, who to hand a gospel tract or even stop and confront.
The winning of souls to Christ is the only reason we remain on this earth after we are saved. Everything else we could do, we can do more perfectly in Heaven. Praise, worship, sing, fellowship, and even prayer is done more perfectly in a perfect body.
There will be no more salvation. No more giving of the gospel. No more chance to tell our loved ones about their need to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior. That chapter of our lives will close when we die.
We, myself included, need to take the time today to give the gospel to those around us. Once we die or the trumpet sounds for us to go home, time will be no more. The door of opportunity will close.
Setting the alarm is a simple way to remind us. Following through to do what the alert tells us, is up to us. We must find a way to be ready and more vocal about the most beautiful gift we have ever received.
I hope this simple reminder can reap much fruit to those who heed its message.
Daily Manna 