This Is How We Work It.

Ask the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers into His harvest. (Matthew 9:38)

Today, let's consider another point Pastor Andy shared in regard to Matthew 9:38:

"The problem is not the harvest: it's the workers. We should pray for God to show us how to work the harvest."

Our pastor gave the analogy of sugar cane harvesting in two different countries. In one of the countries, fires are set as part of the harvest protocol (in order to kill snakes and scorpions). The other country does not set fires, because snakes and scorpions are not native to that region. Harvest protocol is never generic. It is specific to the crop, the region, the weather, and other factors.

The same principle holds true for the Lord's harvest. As we reflect on the call of Christ Jesus to attend to His harvest, we are fully dependent on His instructions concerning how to engage the harvest protocol. The Lord knows the spiritual landscape of this earth, and the Lord reveals specific strategies for each of His workers. Appealing to the Lord of the harvest is a much more effective church development strategy than, for instance, the "it-worked-for-Joe's-church-so-let's-try-it-out-here" approach.

Our God knows everything. We can ask Him anything. Let's make a practice of doing just that.

Lord, show us how to work Your harvest protocol here, in the field where You have placed us. Amen.