THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL

The Harvest is Plentiful

We have entered a time in the church year that I look forward to all year long. We have everything back in gear, and it is crazy once again. The summer “break” was nice, but I really like the hubbub we have again on Wednesday nights. With all the children in Kingdom Kids Choirs, wall to wall Awana Kids, Adult Bible Study, One Mission University, Jr. High and Sr. High Youth worship, and of course my favorite, Worship Choir and Orchestra, the Mission Point Campus is buzzing. I don’t know about you, but I tend to get so wrapped up in what is happening on campus that I forget there are so many people off the campus who are still looking for a touch from Jesus. We have it great here! Unlike those who don’t know Jesus, we have the opportunity to come mid-week for a time of worship, fellowship, and fun. I am not saying that this is bad, but what I am saying is that we need to remember what Jesus said concerning this. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2).” As I said in worship on Sunday, it is easy to come into this place and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but it is a different story many times when we go out of this place.
Did Jesus promise us that when we go out into the world that it was going to be easy? Absolutely not! In fact, Jesus said just the opposite. “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3).” Sounds like fun, right? Obedience is not always the easy way. Just ask my kids about that one. Sometimes being obedient to my commands is not always going to be the easy thing, but it is always going to be the right thing. The benefit far outshines the sacrifice. We see that in John 10, when after being sent out “among wolves”, the seventy-two came back with joy because they were obedient to what Jesus told them to do. Lives were changed and the demons were being defeated. What are we afraid of? We know from scripture that we will be victorious over the evil one, so why do we cower in fear to share the truth of Jesus? Could it be that when we are obedient, Satan becomes nervous? All we have to do is look around and see where God is working and we will see that the foundations of hell are being challenged. Knowing this, we should not be surprised that we are fearful. Satan will use anything he can to stop our obedience and God’s agenda. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that their real joy should come in knowing that their “names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).” Once we realize that we have been rescued from an eternity in hell, we will want to share that truth with others.

Restore to me the joy of my salvation
and grant to me a willing spirit to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:12-13

Praising God for my Salvation!
Aaron Hodges