The Great Harvest and the Call to Labor

Sermon Title: "The Great Harvest and the Call to Labor"

Scripture Focus: Luke 10:2 NKJV "Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"

Introduction

Start with an illustration: Imagine standing before a vast golden wheat field, stretching as far as the eye can see. The crops are ripe and ready to be harvested, but there's only one worker. The urgency to gather the harvest before it spoils is palpable. This is the picture Jesus paints in Luke 10:2—a spiritual field overflowing with opportunity, but lacking workers.

Point 1: The Abundant Harvest

Key Idea: The harvest is "truly great," representing the countless souls in need of salvation. Illustration: Share a story of a missionary encountering a village hungry for the Word of God, emphasizing the readiness of people when the Gospel is brought to them. Supporting Scripture:

John 4:35—"Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"

Challenge: Open your eyes to the spiritual harvest around you—in your workplace, neighborhood, and even within your family.

Matthew 13:39—"The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels."

Emphasizes the vastness and significance of the spiritual harvest.

Revelation 14:15—"Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

Highlights the urgency of acting when the harvest is ready.

Point 2: The Shortage of Laborers

Key Idea: The problem is not the harvest but the lack of workers. Illustration: Reflect on a time when a project at work or school had too few people to complete the task. The frustration and urgency mirror the spiritual need today.

Romans 10:14-15—"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?"

Illustrates the necessity of laborers for spreading the Gospel.

Proverbs 10:5—"He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame."

A warning about neglecting the work during harvest time. Application: Recognize your role in God's mission; it's not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer.

Point 3: The Call to Pray

Key Idea: Jesus commands us to pray for laborers. Illustration: Tell the story of a revival that began with a small group praying fervently, showing how prayer ignites action. Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 9:38—"Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Encouragement: Prayer aligns our hearts with God's and opens doors for service.

Philippians 4:6—"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Encourages believers to bring their prayers for laborers to God with faith.

Colossians 4:3—"Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ."

An example of prayer for opportunities in the harvest field.

Point 4: The Lord of the Harvest

Key Idea: God is in control of the harvest and sends workers.

Psalm 24:1—"The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."

Reinforces that God is the owner and sovereign over the harvest.

1 Corinthians 3:7—"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase."

Reminds us that the Lord of the harvest brings growth and success. Illustration: Share the analogy of a farmer who knows exactly when to send workers into the field. God’s timing and provision are perfect. Application: Trust God to equip and direct you for His mission.

Point 5: The Willingness to Go

Key Idea: The prayer for laborers includes being willing to go yourself.

Illustration: Talk about Isaiah's response in Isaiah 6:8—"Here am I, send me!" He didn’t wait for someone else to step up.

Matthew 28:19-20—"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."

The Great Commission challenges every believer to be a laborer.

Acts 13:2-3—"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."

Demonstrates the church sending laborers in response to God’s call.

Challenge: Reflect on what holds you back from saying, "Yes, Lord, send me."

Point 6: The Joy of the Harvest

Key Idea: There is great joy in bringing in the harvest. Illustration: Share a testimony of someone leading another to Christ and the overwhelming joy it brings, just as a farmer rejoices in a successful harvest.

Luke 15:7—"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

Heaven rejoices when the harvest brings souls into God’s kingdom.

Galatians 6:9—"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Encouragement for perseverance in the labor.

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."

Inspiration: Rejoice in being part of God’s eternal plan.

Point 7: The Eternal Impact

Key Idea: The harvest has eternal consequences.

Daniel 12:3—"Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

Stresses the eternal reward for those who labor in the harvest.

1 Corinthians 15:58—"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Reassures that every effort in God’s harvest field has eternal significance.

Illustration: Share a visual of planting a seed that grows into a mighty tree, providing shade and fruit for generations. In the same way, one act of obedience can change lives eternally. Challenge: Focus on the eternal perspective and the urgency of the Gospel.

Conclusion

Call to Action:

Pray for laborers with sincerity and urgency. Be ready to answer God's call to labor in His field. Celebrate the opportunity to make an eternal impact in someone’s life.

Closing Illustration: End with the story of Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher who led D.L. Moody to Christ, illustrating how one faithful laborer can influence generations.

Encourage the congregation to embrace the harvest with faith, prayer, and action, trusting that God, the Lord of the harvest, will guide and empower them.