Thursday, April 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020


"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.... The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. As of the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" (Luke 9:62; 10:2)


If we take a longer view, the very fact that Jesus involves His disciples (and, by extension, us) in His Kingdom ministry is quite staggering. Why would the Lord of Lords and King of Kings elect to include fragile, fallible humans in such a critical work? From my experience, ministry helps us to refine our passions (loving more of what God loves), to understand the true nature of the world (the very real spiritual forces in battle), and to grow more deeply in awe of God and His love. In short, as we make disciples for Jesus, we have the opportunity growing into better disciples ourselves.

Also, please note that Jesus implores us to pray for additional Kingdom workers. On the surface, we might believe that money serves as the greatest impediment to Kingdom growth. Instead, we lack Gospel workers. Only God may raise up workers. In turn, we have the calling and privilege to encourage, strengthen, and teach potential workers.

Many times, we shudder in considering Kingdom ministry because of our lack of qualifications. Exactly! We are all unqualified in our natural state to serve God. Yet, by the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit, we may become fit laborers for the harvest.

Paul describes this contrast of human weakness (evidenced in our sure death) against the power of God (evidence in the eternal life He gives): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Would you kindly pray for more Kingdom workers today? Please consider how and where God is calling you. Who could use some encouragement? Who is hurting? Who is in need of wholeness and forgiveness? How could you offer those things today? How could you point them to God's throne of grace today?


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son and redeeming us from sin by His shed blood on the Cross. Thank You that You have freed us and made us qualified for Your Kingdom service through giving us Your Word and sending us Your Holy Spirit. Give us courage to love others boldly today. Help us to encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, and allow us to reach out to those who may be far from You. Bring Your healing and wholeness into our city, state, and country. We desperately need You. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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