Matthew 9:36-38, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."  

The ministry of Jesus was non-stop.  From morning to evening Jesus was busy preaching, teaching, healing, and helping.  As I read Matthew 8 and 9 I noticed Jesus healed a leper, healed a centurion's servant, healed Peter's mother-in-law, spoke to people with excuses for not following Him, calmed the waves on the sea, cast out demons at Gadara, healed a palsied man, called Matthew to be an apostle, was criticized for eating dinner with publicans and sinners, healed a woman with an issue of blood, raised the daughter of a ruler from the dead, healed two blind men, sent a demon out of a man who was dumb who then spoke, and in conclusion to this section Matthew writes, "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (9:35)  Yet with all of His activity, He was moved with compassion.  What motivates you?  Compassion filled the heart of our Savior, and it needs to fill our hearts.  Compassion speaks of being moved internally, in the depths of our being.  Do you love enough to have compassion?   

Finally, will you be an answer to the Lord's prayer request?  His request was that laborers would work in His harvest.  It God's harvest, not ours, but He is looking for men, for women, for teens to labor in the harvest. Have you been laboring in God's harvest field? Have you brought anyone to Jesus?  Are you working to see people trust Christ as their Savior? Not pressuring them, but compassionately sharing the Gospel with them.  Inviting them to trust Christ as their Savior?  

May we be filled with the compassion of Christ, while working actively in His harvest.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Are you reaching out to help others? How does your life reflect your answer?

2. Would you say that you’re filled with compassion? Justify your answer.

3. How is your activity level at working in God’s harvest filled? Do you see people saved as a result of your compassion and efforts?