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Have you ever stopped to think about how amazing it is that the Lord chooses to work through us?
All creation is at His disposal, and He could have chosen any means through which to deliver the life-giving Gospel, but He chose us. Not only have we been redeemed by His precious blood and claimed by Him in our Baptism, He also allows us to be the instruments through which others come to know Him and are saved. Through our hands, feet, and lips, the Lord of the Harvest plants seeds of faith, tends and nourishes those seeds, and produces beautiful fruit in the lives of believers. What a joy to be laborers in His garden!
All of us — no matter what our vocations — are laborers in God’s harvest, sharing His grace and mercy with each person we are called to serve. But Jesus reminds us that there is much work to be done and urges us to pray for those who will be willing to lead His Church in her mission. We need pastors who are devoted to shepherding congregations so that they can be equipped to serve their neighbors. We also need deaconesses, Lutheran school teachers, directors of parish music, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life ministry, and directors of church ministries who are committed to using the gifts that they have been given and the theological education that they have received to support the pastor in God’s ministry and to build up the body of Christ. There is much work to be done!
In my time working in the admissions office at Concordia Seminary, I have been blessed to hear countless stories of God raising up laborers for the harvest. These stories are varied, and each is amazing in its own way, but all have something in common. Every man and woman who shares their journey with me describes someone who God used to speak words of encouragement into their life. No one comes up with the idea of church work alone. The Holy Spirit calls to them through the mouth of a brother or sister in Christ to point out their gifts and to open their eyes to the possibility of a professional churchwork vocation.
So, I urge you to do three things today. First, as Jesus commanded, pray for God to raise up laborers for the harvest. God hears the prayers of His people! Second, think about who you know that has the gifts to serve the church professionally. Pray for that person, and then tell him or her what you notice. Who knows ... you may be the vessel through which God raises up a new laborer. Finally, thank God for His faithfulness. He promises to be with His church, working through her to bring the Gospel to the world that so desperately needs it. He is always faithful to His promises!
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