Doesn't one long to alleviate the suffering of countless thousands who are struggling to eke out a living in adverse conditions? Our great Master, Christ Jesus, walked among many destitute crowds, feeding and healing them. We may well ask how we can emulate, even in a degree, his works.
Matthew's Gospel records one occasion when Jesus had been out in the cities and villages, teaching and healing the people, and the multitudes pressed upon him. He was "moved with compassion" for them. "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."Matt. 9:36-38 .
It is striking that Jesus said that the harvest, not the toil, was plenteous. This realization gives us a new perspective. We are not laboring in vain against unbearable odds of famine, disease, indifference, cruelty. We are in fact working and praying to see God's fullness manifested. Immediately after giving this exhortation, Jesus called the twelve disciples to him and gave them power to heal sickness and cast out evil. What stands out to me is the awareness that if we pray as he requested, we ourselves will naturally seek to take part in that harvest work.
