Luke 10:1-9 - Praying For More Laborers

Yesterday we noted that Luke is the only Gospel that records this appointing and sending of the “seventy also”. These men were not called "apostles," but they were still "sent with a commission" to represent the Lord. They were therefore truly ambassadors of the King. Not only were they sent by Him, but they were also sent before Him to prepare the way for His coming. Their calling was certainly a dignified one.   I believe this is important for us today. We know that the names of the “Twelve Apostles” are listed in all the Gospels and also in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:13). But we are not given the names of any of the “seventy also”. There were only twelve disciples, who became the twelve apostles who played a very specific and significant role in the birth and foundation of the church. They had their place in church history, but we also have a place in the body of Christ to be His ambassadors and laborers in His harvest fields today! Yes today, we are a part the “seventy also”.   The first thing we notice is that the seventy had a difficult calling (Luke 10:2). They were appointed and called to be “laborers” in the Lord’s harvest fields. Harvesting is hard work, even when there are many people helping you, but these men were sent into a vast field with very few workers to help them reap a great harvest. Instead of praying for an easier job, they were to pray for more laborers to join them. Today we have large machines that help the farmers reap the harvest, and even then, it is a hard and tedious task. But back in the day of Christ, they did not have these machines, but only had sickles. To reap a harvest field of grain was very difficult and backbreaking. It took lots of workers to get the field harvested.   Today we need to pray that same prayer. Please note that it is laborers, not spectators, who pray for more laborers! Too many Christians are praying for somebody else to do a job they are unwilling to do themselves. Today, in the 10/40 window of the earth, there are still three and a half billion precious people who have never heard the name of Jesus. The fields are white, ready to be harvested, but very few are going to do this great work.   Did you ever notice that the harvest is called “His harvest”. These dear people are the LORD’s harvest! They are souls that He died for and came to save! The time of harvest is a very short period of time, and then it becomes too late when that time passes. It is estimated that today on planet Earth, over 150,000 people die every 24 hours. There are 6,611 deaths each hour. This is 110 deaths each minute, with 2 people dying each second. Tomorrow will be too late to bring these precious souls to Jesus.   Their calling was a dangerous one. As they invaded enemy territory (Luke 10:17), they would be like "lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:3). But as long as they relied on the Lord, they would win the battle. "Any man who takes Jesus Christ seriously becomes the target of the devil," Vance Havner often told audiences. "Most church members do not give Satan enough trouble to arouse his opposition."   Yes, the task is difficult and dangerous, but it is the most important thing that we can be involved in! I love Psalm 126:5-6: “Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.”   Today, are you praying? Are you sharing Christ with those around you? Have you brought any precious souls to Jesus lately?   God bless!