Rescuing And Preserving The Harvest

RESCUING AND PRESERVING THE HARVEST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 9:36-38

Key Verse: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” — Matthew 9:37

Supporting Texts: John 4:35; Luke 15:4-7; Jude 1:23; Proverbs 11:30

INTRODUCTION:

God is passionate about souls, and His heartbeat is that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Every believer is called not only to witness but also to labour for the preservation of the souls that have been reached. Evangelism brings souls in, but discipleship and follow-up preserve them.

Many churches are experiencing losses not because there is no harvest, but because the harvest is not being preserved. It is possible to have great outreaches yet experience little growth if proper care is not given to the souls God entrusts to us. Heaven rejoices over one soul that repents, and God expects us to rejoice by ensuring that soul grows, thrives, and remains.

In this teaching, we will explore the divine responsibility of rescuing the lost and preserving the harvest God gives. This is not the work of pastors alone; it is the assignment of every believer who desires to please God and advance the Kingdom.

1. THE URGENCY OF RESCUING THE LOST

The lost are precious to God, and every passing day matters in the journey of their salvation. This urgency should stir compassion and evangelistic action in every believer.

a) The compassion of Christ (Matthew 9:36)

Jesus saw the multitudes wandering in confusion, and His heart was moved. True soul-winning begins with deep compassion for the lost.

b) The harvest is already ready (John 4:35)

Jesus declared that the fields are white unto harvest. The world is ripe for salvation, and we must not delay the message.

c) Hell is real and people are entering daily (Luke 16:22-24)

Understanding the reality of eternal destinies should push us to act without procrastination.

d) Believers are God’s primary rescuers (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. We are His mouth, His hands, and His feet to the dying world.

Biblical Example: The shepherd who left the ninety-nine to rescue the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7).

2. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRESERVING THE HARVEST

Winning souls is only the beginning; the true work lies in nurturing, feeding, and stabilising them until they mature in Christ.

a) New believers need spiritual nourishment (1 Peter 2:2)

Just as babies need milk, new converts need steady teaching to grow strong in faith.

b) Preservation requires deliberate follow-up (Acts 14:21-22)

Paul returned to strengthen the disciples, confirming their faith. Growth does not happen by accident, it requires intentional care.

c) They must be taught to obey Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)

Discipleship involves helping them understand and practice the teachings of Jesus.

d) Encouragement strengthens their foundation (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Regular fellowship and encouragement prevent the enemy from drawing them back to old patterns.

Biblical Example: Barnabas nurturing and stabilising new believers at Antioch (Acts 11:22-26).

3. ENEMIES OF HARVEST PRESERVATION

There are forces and factors that fight to snatch the newly saved away. Recognising them helps us take preventive measures.

a) Spiritual attacks against new believers (1 Peter 5:8)

The enemy seeks to devour the vulnerable, especially those new in the faith.

b) Lack of grounding in the Word (Matthew 13:20-21)

Without deep roots, persecution and affliction can cause them to fall away.

c) Wrong associations dragging them back (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Old friendships and sinful environments can pull converts back into their former lifestyles.

d) Inconsistent follow-up from the church (Proverbs 27:23)

When leaders fail to pay attention to souls, many drift away unnoticed.

Biblical Example: Demas, who abandoned the faith because he loved the world (2 Timothy 4:10).

4. DIVINE STRATEGIES FOR RESCUING AND PRESERVING SOULS

God has given us keys to ensure that souls are effectively won and kept.

a) Praying consistently for the harvest (Colossians 4:2-4)

Prayer softens hearts, opens doors, and strengthens new converts against spiritual battles.

b) Showing genuine love and care (Jeremiah 31:3)

People stay where they feel loved and valued. Love is a divine magnet.

c) Mentorship and accountability (Proverbs 27:17)

New believers grow faster when someone walks with them, guiding and supporting them.

d) Integrating them into fellowship and service (Psalm 92:13)

When they are planted in the house of God, they flourish and remain grounded.

Biblical Example: Jesus mentoring the disciples until they became strong enough to transform the world (Mark 3:14).

CONCLUSION:

God wants His house filled, not just visited. Every soul that comes to Christ is a divine treasure, and heaven expects us to protect, nourish, and preserve that treasure. The Kingdom grows not only by addition but by retention. When we rescue the lost and keep them growing, we partner with God in His greatest mission on earth.