Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Being Fit Workers for God's Harvest
Matthew 9:35-38
 Vs.38 "therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
 Matthew 9 describes the healing miracles that Jesus performed during his travels. He heals a paralytic, a woman afflicted with bleeding, the blind, a demon-possessed mute, and even raises a girl from the dead. More important, though, is the statement that this chapter makes about our Lord: He is not only powerful, but He is also unbiased in His mercy and compassion. Jesus did not selectively heal; rather, He extended mercy and grace to all, whatever their backgrounds.
 Matthew 9:37 states that “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Harvest is used to represent the lost sheep, the souls that need to be taught God’s Word and brought back to Him. In a world this vast, there will always be someone who needs help; in His own journey, Christ came across countless people who required His help. As Christians, it is our duty to answer God’s call and to be His personal laborers, who go out into the world and spread His Word. By doing so, we are able to bring strength to the weak, direction for the lost, and wholeness to the incomplete.
 This is a valuable lesson for Christians, as one of the most difficult tasks that we are called to perform is to bring relief to others. However, how can we possibly bring the level of healing to the afflicted that Jesus did? We can do this in a variety of ways – some choose to enter the healthcare field, while others get involved in humanitarian efforts. Then, there are those who perform this duty in small ways every day – they are caring family members, supportive friends, and generous strangers. Rather than request the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest field, we can simply be those workers.
 We may not have the power to heal those we touch as Christ does, but God understands our limitations. Thus each of us has unique, God-given strengths and talents that can be used to heal the sick and restore wholeness to the broken. Our actions, especially towards others, are reflections of our characters, so let your actions reflect not only your compassion and mercy, but your Father’s, as well. It is up to each of us to identify our strengths and gifts, and do what we can to be fit laborers during the harvest.
PRAYER
Father God, give us the strength to look past ourselves and instead, look to those who are suffering. Help us to reflect upon our talents and gifts, and use them to provide healing and wholeness to Your lost sheep. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Use your God-given talents to provide relief to those desperate for healing and wholeness.
Sheena Johnson, St. John's MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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