The Few or the Many
There is a world in need of people willing to share the good news. The question is if you will be one of the few who work for God or one of the many who don't.
“Moses said to Yahweh, “O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” Yahweh said to him, “Who made man’s mouth?...Isn’t it I, Yahweh? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.” Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else...Aaron spoke all the words which Yahweh had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.”
Exodus 4:1, 10-15, 18, 20-31
We read the Bible with a historical bias. We know how God used Moses to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, but if you read the story you can see that Moses wanted no part in God's plan. The people were no delivered because of Moses eagerness or abilities. God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan. What He needs is a willing heart. One who is honest about where they need help, but open to doing what needs to be done.
Can you relate to Moses? Have you ever felt the tug on your heart, but feel hesitant to respond?
“Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still...Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh."
Psalms 54:1, 3-5, 8
Why would David say not to sin, but rather stand in awe? What would be sinful about not standing in awe? Those who are not in awe of what God can do are limiting God and their belief in what God can do through them. The sin of unbelief is rampant in our world. David says trust in God and you will see that with God there is nothing that cannot be done. Has unbelief ever caused separation between you and God? Whose voice is driving the unbelief? God or the enemy?
“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight...Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.”
Proverbs 3:5-7, 27
Trusting God with all your heart is going to involve doing what you might not want to do, at times when you might not want to do it, in ways that might be uncomfortable. One of the most prevalent illnesses that can infect followers of Jesus is avoidance faith. This is where people believe that by avoiding bad they are good. This is not how Jesus calls us to live. Following Jesus involves doing good, bringing the kingdom, and taking steps of faith that require trust in God. Is there anywhere you have been withholding the good you know God calls you to do right now?
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your habitations; don’t spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes...Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth...No weapon that is formed against you will prevail"
Isaiah 54:2, 4-5, 10, 17
Why would someone enlarge their tent? Why make changes when things are working? God says we need to make room because their is more work to be done. There are more people who need to know the love of Christ and find peace with God. There are people who are just one phone call, one invitation, one kind act or word away from responding to the invitation to a relationship with Jesus. Are you willing to make room, make a call, and make plans with someone to share Jesus?
“Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom has come near to you...He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you authority...over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you...Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:2, 9, 11, 18-20, 25-42
How do you receive your eternal inheritance and the kingdom life God desires to give you? By giving God your time, talent, treasures, and total heart. The world wants you to believe that working for material gain will satisfy you and give you the life you desire. Jesus says the only life that will ever have meaning is one centered in Him that serves others. You cannot serve God without serving others.
Where is God calling you to serve? Where have you held back loving fully? What are your fears and are they founded in truth or from a fallen angel? The question is not if there is a need, but whether you will choose to put in the work that is needed to reap a harvest for Jesus.