Encourage the congregation to answer God's call to serve and work in His field, emphasizing that God equips those He calls, and there are great rewards in serving Him.
Good morning, church family! I'm so glad to see all of you here today, ready to dive into the Word of God together. Let's turn our hearts and minds to Matthew 9:35-38. Here, we see Jesus reflecting on the need for willing workers in his harvest field, the bountiful rewards that come with serving God, and the clarion call to be labor-ready.
As Mark Batterson once said, “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”
Let's read the passage together:
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 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.” (NIV)
Let us pray.
Dear God, as we delve into Your Word today, open our hearts to receive the message You have for us. Show us the ways in which we can serve You and work in Your field. Help us to understand the true value of being Your workers and the rewards that come with serving You. Equip us, Lord, to answer Your call, ready and willing to labor for Your kingdom. We ask all these in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
Alright, let's get into it!
The need for willing workers in God's kingdom is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, and it is particularly emphasized in the passage we just read from Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus, in His compassion, saw the multitudes as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He recognized the immense need for workers in the spiritual harvest field, and He urged His disciples to pray for more laborers.
The metaphor of the harvest: In the natural world, a ripe harvest left unattended will rot and decay. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, there are countless souls ripe for the kingdom of God, but without workers to bring them in, they may be lost. Just as a farmer needs laborers to bring in the physical harvest, God needs willing workers to bring in the spiritual harvest. This is a call to action for each of us, a call to step out of our comfort zones and into the fields that are ripe for harvest.
The quality of the workers: God is not looking for half-hearted service or reluctant laborers. He is looking for those who are willing to give their all for the cause of His kingdom. Willing workers are those who, out of love for God and a desire to see His kingdom advance, willingly give their time, talents, and resources. They are not driven by obligation or guilt but by a passionate love for God and His people.
Our modern world: The need for willing workers is more urgent than ever. We live in a time where there are more opportunities and resources available to spread the gospel than ever before, but also more distractions and obstacles. The fields are indeed ripe for harvest, but the laborers are few. We need willing workers who are ready to seize these opportunities, to overcome these obstacles, and to bring in the harvest for the kingdom of God.
Extends to every area of church life: From teaching Sunday school to serving in the soup kitchen, from leading worship to visiting the sick, every act of service is a part of the harvest work. No task is too small or insignificant in the kingdom of God. Every willing worker is needed and valued.
A call to a life of sacrifice and service: It involves hard work, perseverance, and often, facing opposition. But it is also a call to a life of immense joy and fulfillment. There is no greater joy than knowing that you are a part of God's great harvest work and that you are making a difference for eternity.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about when you were first called to work for the Lord. How did you respond? How did this affect your life and your faith?
The rewards of serving God are manifold and extend far beyond the tangible or material ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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