January 13th: The Harvest
January 13, 2008
by Paul Lewis
In today’s reading we see that Jacob got hosed! His uncle betrayed him and tricked him into marrying both of his daughters.
Scripture:
The key verse to me in today’s reading is Matthew 9:36 - “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like a sheep without a shepherd.”
Observation:
Often, when we look at this passage we focus on the verse that follows this one about praying for workers for the fields which are ripe for harvest. The confused, helpless, shepherd-less are the harvest Jesus is referring to. To me, the key isn’t the harvest, but the compassion Jesus has on the people. His compassion and desire to be their shepherd is what leads to the harvest.
As Jesus’ “workers” he wants us to have the same compassion for the confused, helpless, shepherd-less people that he has. If we truly love them, we will lead them too him!
Application:
Witnessing is good, and leading others to become harvesters is good too, but we need to have the same heart Jesus has, having compassion for those who don’t know him. Compassion isn’t feeling sorry for the lost, nor is it feeling that we are in a better position than they are in, it is desiring that they would discover the same shepherd that we have discovered. We are merely “lead sheep” leading other sheep to the living water!
Prayer
God, give me great compassion for those who don’t know you. Help me want to find those who don’t know you and lead them to you. Thank you that you used someone to lead me to you!
Entry Filed under: Daily Reading, January. .
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1.
Kathleen Flanagan | January 13, 2008 at 5:43 am
Simple but profound! It sure removes any hint of self-serving agendas, especially when I consider the “co-sheep” part. To think that ultimately it is the Creator of the universe and His tender mercy actually working all this out is so very humbling. What a soaping for this ewe!
What a blessing it is to hear from the Good Shepherd, and from all of you PVC Sheperds each day.
2.
Rachel E. | January 13, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Hi Paul, this passage stuck out to me too. I love the progression. It starts with an attitude of compassion. Then it goes to prayer. Then starting in chapter 10, action. If you miss one of the steps, things become crippled.
If you pray for the workers and start serving, but don’t have a servant-like, compassionate attitude, it becomes a mundane job, clock-in, clock-out.
But if you have the compassion and the prayer, but don’t actually do anything about it, well, your faith is pretty dead.
Even still, if you’re passionate about the lost, but just rush into serving without really seeking God’s face for direction and guidance you’re almost sure to start following your own agenda and program instead of the vision He’s called you to fulfill.
3.
H6 | January 13, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Greg did a great job teaching this weekend. I so needed to be reminded that God sees the whole road, just like from the Sear’s Tower. He sees the big picture. I also love the SOAP study method. I used it today and benefitted greatly from it! Thanks.
Loved all the reading today. But really spent time reflecting on the psalm and proverb. I love that it says God observes us. His eyes examine us. The Lord examines the righteous. Proverbs goes on to say to not despise God’s discipline and rebuke. He does it to those He loves.
I know that God sees all and knows all. But if I understand this correctly… He only observes/examines me when I am seeking Him and living a righteous life. He can then show me my sin and my flaws. He can discipline me because I am seeking Him. I want to hear from Him. I want to be shown His ways. Now all I have to do is obey what He reveals. He is best able to show me His love, when I am seeking relationship with Him.
It kind of reminds me of what a “coach” would do with a player that wanted to take their ability to the next level. The coach would observe and examine the player. Fine tuning any weakness….