The primary hindrance to ministry today is the same as it's been for centuries – “the laborers are few.” It was true in Christ's earthly ministry, and it remains true today. Sometimes we feel that the real problem is a money shortfall, but Jesus said that it is a manpower shortage.
The Great Commission is very clear – “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” But this poses some staggering logistical problems. Who is to go? Who is to stay behind and “hold the ropes”? Where among earth's seven billion people are the workers to go? How are they to get there?
To all of these complex, staggering problems, Jesus offers one simple solution – prayer! “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Let's take Jesus' words at face value and address this great need for prayer for the supply and distribution of laborers in God's vast harvest fields.
Is this fervent petition, “Lord, send laborers,” a genuine priority in our lives? Do we even remember to pray this at all? Have we put ourselves and our children at God's disposal? Do we fervently pray that not one of God's children will be found standing “idle” in His vineyard? Do we realize that God has placed in our hands the supply and distribution of the workers needed for the whitened harvest fields? Do we really believe that if we petition Him like the church at Antioch, He will hear and answer?
Will we devote the time and attention to this matter that it deserves? If we will, Christ will lead us deeper into the “fellowship of His sufferings,” and we will understand the royal authority that God has given us in the affairs of His kingdom.
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Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
