I have read Luke 10 multiple times, and I have taken notes during my share of Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, retreats, conferences and planning meetings. However, the Father really has deepened my understanding of this passage and how I can apply it to my life throughout my time in South Asia.
Verse 2 says: “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” This is something I love to pray for. I have seen the statistics on unreached peoples, and I know it’s a good thing to ask for and to share with our brothers and sisters.
Let’s put this into perspective, though. There are more than 7.4 billion people in this world, with more than 200,000 born and approximately 100,000 dying every single day. These 7.4 billion people check us out at the grocery store, drive beside us on Interstate 35, sit at the desk or cubicle next to us at school and work, and lead lives just like we do. These people live in the United States, Canada, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East and all throughout the ends of the earth. These people are not just numbers. They are people with a story, and they are made in the image of God and have been made to worship him.
That is a ton of harvest just waiting for the next day, living life and searching for the truth in the world. The very truth that we know is transforming us into new creations, each and every day as we pursue God. The truth that changed history because of the Father’s kindness and love for us no matter how many times we were disobedient, didn’t trust him or didn’t consider him worthy of all that we are. The truth that Jesus Christ chose to sacrifice himself and would rise again three days later to triumph over death, sin, lies and all of the evil in the world.
I am tired of simply asking for the Father to raise up laborers for this incredible harvest. Now, I am asking not only that God would raise up laborers, but also that he would begin to shape me into the laborer he needs me to be. I want to become a willing and passionate laborer for Jesus Christ, no matter where it takes me or what it costs me. I am learning each and every day Christ is worthy of everything I can humbly offer him. I encourage you and challenge you to lift up this same prayer.
I am not saying this is an easy journey or one I want to be on every single moment. I have struggles and desires and sin in my life. Some days, I want to lie in bed and tune out the world around me. I want to enjoy the comfortable silence on the train rather than awkwardly address someone and share my faith. Following Christ and becoming a laborer takes us on a hard adventure far beyond our comfort zone and what we know. Throughout God’s word, time and time again, people are annoyed, aggravated and filled with anger because others share the Good News. Following Jesus Christ is not safe, but he is the Good Shepherd. He already laid down his life for us. Thankfully, my hope is not in anyone but the Father, and my trust is in Jesus Christ’s love demonstrated on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit within me.
I cannot promise that joining me in this prayer will be easy, but I promise it will be worth it because of the King that we serve. Know that the King is greater than the work we are doing.
Katie, a student at the University of Texas, is serving in South Asia with Go Now Missions. Her last name is withheld for security reasons.
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