“When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. He turned to his disciples and said, “The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in. As you go, plead with the Owner of the Harvest to thrust out many more reapers to harvest his grain!
Matthew 9:36-38, TPT
Jesus, as Lord and Savior obviously has a perspective that we don’t have. He perceives to the very heart of people, drills right through and into the confusion and helplessness. He is disturbed by what he sees, and is emotionally touched by the people who pass by him. (We don’t have this perceptive, unfortunately. But hopefully we’re now learning its power.) Love sees no cost.
Jesus responds by commanding his disciples. “Look at them! Pray for them!” We live in a world that is plumb full of brokenness. No one goes unscathed. We all have scars, everyone of us, and prayer is how we are healed. This dynamic needs to work in us and through us.
But the verdict is in, we have a great soul Shepherd! There is such a great harvest, that prayer is our only hope of reaching these. Now, there is a lot of things we rather do then pray. We can have conferences and special meetings. We can make videos and create TV shows on the harvest. Most of these things are good, they’re purposeful and probably God directed. But if we choose not to pray, then we completely ‘miss the mark.’
But the real, deep-down core is the need people have is to be shepherded by their Creator and Savior. That is the most profound need we have. It is the basic requirement of this moment. It can not be minimized.
Love sees no cost.
Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock,
gathering the lambs in his arms,
Hugging them as he carries them,
leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.
Isa. 40:11
This is a messianic prophecy that describes the Messiah’s work. We believe that it continues to tell of his work among those who are disoriented and who need to escape distorted views. Only a Shepherd could fully understand the needs of his flock. We must share in this vision, and carry this burden.
“And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees.”
– William Cowper
“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.'”
“It is the laden bough that hangs low, and the most fruitful Christian who is the most humble.”
Broken Believers 