He must increase, I must decrease, as John the Baptist says. As they rejoice in the impending harvest, a farmer blows the opportunity right before their eyes. How can we tell when the harvest is prepared? People will only have hope and a reason to live when they are eager to hear and learn new things.
She was thirsty for the water that only Jesus could provide, much like the Samaritan woman. Through her connection with the Messiah, she felt complete. As a result, she quickly left and called others to find out about Jesus.
In contrast, Jesus told His disciples, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about," forgetting that he was thirsty. They didn’t see Jesus eat anything. The disciples were blinded and did not see what Jesus had seen from the woman at the well. Blindness was not limited to the 12 disciples. We are also blind - we observe and see other things, and we are preoccupied with things that are not important -- sometimes our judgment hinders us from seeing the ones ready to be harvested.
I am the problem - we usually think people are difficult to reach, but the problem is our focus - our priority. My failure to see a ready harvest is a stumble for the future. Now is the time; the harvest is ready! The Gospel time is a harvest time -- gospel work is harvest work.
Not just born, but actually doing it. Step up! Pray that God will help us to grow up to that experience of happiness in harvesting.
The work cannot be taken for granted, time is not only short because we, the bearers, can only live short. This is our moment. Lives are at stake -- losing people without knowing that there is a Saviour. Sometimes God allows us to experience how difficult it may be - but those circumstances will remind us of the urgency we need to accomplish for His glory.
As the world doesn't get better, it is time. The Gospel is urgent because He is coming - soon! Engage with urgency.
I must therefore work. What, then, should we do about this unique blindness that leads to the problem? May our prayer be, "I want to see the way You see!" While God and angels are at work, may we not be asleep and be involved in His ministry.
Ruby Ann Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division