Excluders vs. Expanders
The Need – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 10:1-12

Key Verse:  Luke 10:2

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Yesterday’s devotional started looking at Jesus’ evaluation of the need of this world.  He told His followers, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”  I want to focus on that last phrase in today’s thoughts: the workers are few.  Why has this always been the case?  Why do 20% of the people end up doing 80% of the work?  From Jesus’ day until now, His church has always struggled with this chronic problem—too few workers.

            I would guess that the first part of the answer is the lack of understanding of the consequences.  Do we truly understand that we are dealing with eternal issues?  Every person you look into the eyes of today is going to spend eternity either in heaven or hell.

            The second part of that answer might be that we don’t feel responsible for other people’s destiny.  Many churches have taken the attitude, their church is open to all; they can come if they want to.  Many of these churches have all but closed down their missions departments.  God has not changed and our commission is still intact: we are to go into all the world preaching the Good news of Jesus (Matthew 28).

            The last part of the answer might be about fear.  Maybe we fear what reaction we’ll get when we share the good news with lost people.  Let’s remember, surveys show that most Americans are interested in spiritual matters and want to talk about it.

Father, I want to sign up to be a worker in your kingdom!  Grant me wisdom and courage to be and say all you want me to.  In Jesus’ name, amen.