From the 2023 News and Views Archives: Wake Up! The Harvest Is Ready!

In Matthew 9:34-38, Jesus teaches us a very important lesson. We must be awake and aware of 
the things that are going on around us. We cannot view things through the filter of how we want 
them or wish them to be, but how they truly are. We are living in dark, difficult, and discouraging days. Many in our world are unchurched and the harvest truly is plenteous. There are people to reach! There are those across the oceans and in our backyards who need to hear the gospel. This is the most important work we must do, and it is the reason we exist. Despite the difficulties, what an exciting time to be alive! This is our time to do what God would have us to do! Churches are closing their doors, and the laborers are few. We all know the problem but what is the solution? As Jesus ministered, He met physical needs, but He could see deeper. He saw the heart of man and was moved with compassion or moved in the heart to do something about their condition. Jesus gives us three things we need to see and one thing we must do. 

We Need to Wake Up and See the Plight of People. (Verse 36) Jesus looked past how we often see people and saw them how they really were. We put people in so many different physical classes and circles, but Jesus classifies people into two. There are lost sinners and saved sinners. He saw in their weariness that they were being beaten down by sin. He saw them scattered wondering aimlessly through life with no direction. People today are trying to get by the best they can. They have their hope in the government, the "American Dream," paydays, vacations, and good health. Jesus saw people without a shepherd and without hope. We desperately need to see people the way Jesus did and be moved with compassion. People are dealing with loneliness, fear, frustration and absolutely no fulfillment. Their greatest problem is their sin problem; their greatest need is to be saved, and their only hope is Jesus! 

We Need to Wake Up and See the Potential of People. (Verse 37) Jesus looked at the crowds and saw a plenteous harvest. The disciples saw people who were angry, sick, and pushing to get help from Jesus. Jesus saw their spiritual problems and frustrations. He saw people who needed to be touched and transformed by His amazing grace. He saw their potential. It is not what a man is before he comes to Christ but what He can be after he comes to Christ. There is power in the name of Jesus, and He alone can change lives. The gospel we are privileged to share is a gospel for whosoever! The blood of Jesus is still good to reach the vilest sinner and set the captives free. The revival in Samaria happened because Jesus reached out to a woman no one wanted to have anything to do with. People near and far need Jesus! Politics will not get it done, religion cannot get it done, the world will not satisfy the people of this world, only Jesus! 

We Need to Wake Up and See the Problem of Harvest. (Verse 37) The houses may be full, but the fields are empty. We need more workers, more disciples, and more missionaries. Reaping is hard work! We must get in the field and get dirty. We cannot wait for the harvest to come to us, but we must get busy and work in God's field. His field is here in the Bible belt, across the USA, in the deepest part of the jungles and in the cities and neighborhoods throughout the world. We see the need, but we must be willing to go. 

We Must Wake Up and Realize the Power available. (Verse 38) Jesus gives only one command in this section of Scripture. The one thing He tells us to do here is pray! When we pray, we engage the power of Heaven. The work is God's, and He gives the increase. Would you join me in praying Matthew 9:38? May we pray for the lost to be saved! May we pray for the harvest to be great and more workers in the field. May we pray that we will catch a burning desire and passion and be moved to do more for the glory of God and say as Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8). 

That is why we are thankful for those who have answered the call and are carrying the gospel throughout the uttermost parts of the world. In this edition, we want to introduce some of our new ABA recommended missionaries. As you read, you will learn a little about them, their family, their struggles, their needs, and the ways God is blessing and using them in their field of labor. 

Keep on Keeping on, 
Justin Coburn