Going But Not Doing

While waiting for a bus to take me to the hotel at the end of the day, I watched as several of them passed by my waiting area. As they sped to their destination there was a sign in each of them that read, “Out of Service.”

Jesus, when speaking about the responsibilities of His disciples, said, “Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest.”

Our Lord clearly addressed a pressing need in His day and a need that we, as His followers, face today: There are many in front us, to the side of us and behind us that are waiting to be brought into the Kingdom of God. It is not that He is unconcerned about them or that they are not willing to listen to His offer of salvation, it is because we, His followers, are out of service.

Sometimes we excuse ourselves from being His witnesses and “harvesters” by saying that our family members and friends are not ready to believe. Jesus, however, made it very clear that we are surrounded by an opportunity to be involved in a constant and continual harvest waiting to be reaped.

Each day we must remind ourselves that He will return and find us doing “something.” What will it be? Will He find us involved in taking the Good News of the Gospel to those around us? When He appears will we be doing what He has called us to do or find us out of service?

Prayer:  Lord, You have called us to labor with You in the “great harvest” by witnessing and winning the lost around us. Convict us of our lack of concern for the lost. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:        You know the saying, “Four months between planting and harvest.” But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. John 4:34-38

Out Of Service

Recently, while waiting for an airport bus to take me to the parking lot, I noticed that several of them had signs that read OUT OF SERVICE! There I was – standing alone and helpless at the curb – inhaling the exhaust and listening to the noise of empty buses. I waited for quite some time wondering when one would come by and take me to my vehicle.

Then I thought of those standing around me. No doubt they, too, were anxious to be helped to their destination. Perhaps they had been on a long, lonely journey and were discouraged with the results of their efforts. Maybe they were fearful of what might be awaiting them. And of course, there were also those who were filled with joy and the expectations of a happy homecoming to a welcoming family, friends or business associates.

As I waited with them, I thought of all the people that God brings into our lives each and every day who need His grace. They face the same issues in life that we do and their experiences are no different than ours. Often they face their problems alone because there is no one to give them His help or hope. Unfortunately, too often we are like the bus: OUT OF SERVICE!

Jesus said, “Look around you! Vast fields are ready right now for the harvest.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to get involved in serving You by serving others. Open our eyes to see their needs and our ears to hear their cries and then share Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 4:34-38 …“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest...”

Going But Not Doing

While waiting for a bus to take me to the hotel at the end of the day, I watched as several of them passed by my waiting area. As they sped to their destination there was a sign in each of them that read, “Out of Service.”

Jesus, when speaking about the responsibilities of His disciples said, “Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around and are now ready for the harvest.”

Our Lord clearly addressed a pressing need in His day and a need that we, as His followers, face today: There are many in front of us, to the side of us and behind us that are waiting to be brought into the Kingdom of God. It is not that He is unconcerned about them or that they are not willing to listen to His offer of salvation. It is because we, His followers, are out of service.

Sometimes we excuse ourselves from being His witnesses and “harvesters” by saying that our family members and friends are not ready to believe. Jesus, however, made it very clear that we are surrounded by an opportunity to be involved in a constant and continual harvest waiting to be reaped.

Each day we must remind ourselves that He will return and expect to find us doing “something.” What will it be? Will He find us involved in taking the Good News of the Gospel to those around us? When He appears will we be doing what He has called us to do or find us out of service?

Prayer: Lord, You have called us to labor with You in the “great harvest” by witnessing and winning the lost around us. Convict us of our lack of concern for the lost. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 4:34-38 …“I tell you open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”