Day 10 (2/27)
Day 10
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-38
Written by Ann Marie Grocholski
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
In these last verses of Matthew 9, we are given an amazing summary in just three verses of what Jesus’ kingdom work truly was and is for us today. He traveled around the areas where he grew up – essentially in his own backyard! – touching people’s lives with both physical and spiritual healing. He showed love and compassion to them. He led all those who were like lost sheep closer to himself. He, as our Immanuel (God with us here on Earth), reached out to everyone around him with arms ready to bring healing, comfort, acceptance, encouragement, strength, and joy.
Even more amazing, he offers all of us today a chance to partner with him in this same kingdom work – to touch the lives of the hurting in our own homes, schools, communities, and world! Jesus recognized there is so much work to be done. There are so many who are hurting and lost in this world who need Him. We, as those who were lost and now found, are commissioned by Him to continue His work.
Where do we even begin? He tells us how to do that, too. Through prayer! He encourages us to pray to our heavenly Father to send out even more workers to spread His healing love to the countless others in this troubled world. Through prayer he will open our eyes to the countless ways we can do His work. All it takes is a willing and humble heart.
Those in need are many, “but the workers are few.” Our amazing God, the creator of the universe, came to this Earth to be with us, to experience life like us, to love us, and to model how we should live our lives. He is calling each of us to do his work, but promises that we will never be alone to figure it all out. In fact, we are never alone, but he is with us, living in our hearts to guide us, lead us, and show us how. Close your eyes and ask God to show you how you can do his work today and then simply listen. You may be surprised what you discover.