Good day! The passage of the day is Matthew 9:36-38, "When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Several points jump off the page to me when I consider this passage.

1. Believers must recognize that "lost" people (i.e unbelievers) are in dire need of help! Jesus viewed the multitude with compassion, not anger. He recognized them as sheep with no shepherd. He recognized that the biggest problem the people had was a lack of knowledge, understanding, and direction. His heart went out to them (i.e. compassion) because no one had ever helped them! Tragically, I believe the masses are in the same condition today. No one has ever really tried to help them!

2. Believers must recognize that the harvest is plentiful. Jesus described the multitudes as "weary." Jesus was able to look beyond the smiling faces and the laughter of the people and see souls in desperate need of finding hope and peace. Just 2 chapters later Jesus will say, "Come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (11:28). If we (believers) will take the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to unbelievers with a heart full of compassion the Lord has guaranteed us that the harvest will be plentiful! Tragically, we fail to help the multitudes because we incorrectly assume "They are not interested." The harsh truth is too many times "we are not really interested!"

3. Jesus said "the laborers are few." The greatest downfall of the church is failing to go out into the harvest in an effort to help the unbelieving masses. Attending church and participating in church functions is no substitute for going out into the field and seeking to help those who desperately need us to share the gospel with them! I pray that the Lord will burden your heart to join in and "labor" for Him and for those sheep without a shepherd. They really do need YOU!

P.S. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bringing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6)

God Bless, Pastor Ben.