A Dearth of Compassionate Labourers

Daily Devotional – Saturday, January 28, 2023
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Matthew 9:37 (NKJV)

Unemployment is a global problem but not in the kingdom of God where there is a dearth of compassionate labourers. God is looking for volunteers who can bring material and spiritual relief to a world in distress.

No Shortage of Compassion

According to Matthew, Jesus visited cities and villages, teaching, preaching and healing. There must have been villages where there was no sick person because the Lord had passed by and brought reprieve to the suffering.

Now, here is a verse that demonstrates the human nature of Jesus quite graphically: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36).

A Scarcity of Sympathetic Shepherds

Christ is limited by His human nature in that He cannot be in all places at the same time. After healing many people (verse 35), there are still many more to attend to. He pities them because they are spiritually unprotected, helpless and clueless.

Without sympathetic shepherds to guide them into paths where there is plenty of water and pasture, these people will remain in spiritual danger. Knowing how eager the devil is to drive the multitude astray, Jesus has compassion on these people.

The Laborers are Few

Then He made a statement that underlined how He expected His disciples to react in such situations. “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Millions of souls long to hear the word of God, which brings salvation, hope and eternal life. People are struggling with cherished sin, addictions, guilty, bitterness and anger among other ills. All they need is someone to show them the way to God.

A Drought of Workmen

In addition, there are countless people in need of food, clothes, shelter, school fees and money to pay hospital bills. In our societies are people who spend sleepless nights, with no hope for tomorrow. Some end up committing suicide.

Everywhere you turn, the harvest is plentiful but very few people are willing to collaborate with God to bring in the sheaves to God. The Father is willing to cooperate with those who want to use their means and talents to bring material and spiritual relief to the suffering.

A Dearth of Compassionate Labourers

There is a dearth of compassionate labourers in the Lord’s vineyard. You are the missing worker God is seeking today. Where will you thrust your sickle? Who needs you divine-ordained help today? Do not hold back your help.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am the labourer You seek to help in ‘harvesting’ souls into Your kingdom. Lead me to a person who needs my assistance to find meaning in life and the path back to You.