URC Daily Devotion 31 May 2024

Matthew 9: 35-38

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for 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 labourers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

Reflection

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

I don’t know what you think about witnessing to the good news or more particularly who you think is open and wanting to listen?  If you were asked what the harvest field is like where you are, what would you reply?

The “Talking Jesus” research was commissioned to find the answer to this question. It was first conducted in 2015 and then again in 2022. Some findings were astonishing and inspired a new vision for witness and evangelism. One in particular, which asked whether people in the UK believed in the resurrection of Jesus and  44% said yes in 2015 and 45% said yes in 2022. Of that 45%, 16% believe word for word and 29% believe with some questions. 

You might be asking now how can this many people really believe in the resurrection? Where are they and who are they? They are of all ages, and they are right across the UK. This means that there are many more people who believe in the resurrection than who are part of our churches. Wouldn’t it be great to meet them and invite them to find out more about the resurrected Jesus for their own lives. Doesn’t this make the task of witnessing so much easier?

Who do you know who might be open to finding out more about the resurrection and how knowing the resurrected Jesus could change their lives?

Our prayers then as Jesus suggested can focus not on the harvest but on us the harvesters.

The harvest is plentiful – the workers are … a bit busy, distracted, a little British or not overly interested. Let us pray for a renewed vision and passion for witnessing because the harvest is plentiful.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
thank you that you are still 
the Lord of the harvest 
and that by the power of your Holy Spirit 
you are at work in the lives of those around us. 
Help us to be bolder and braver 
and to find those who are already close to you. 
Give us the words to say 
and the eyes to see who is open to finding out more about you.
Amen