Seek His Purpose

Ps David Wrotniak - INChurch Canberra

A Time and Place to Plant, Water, and Reap

Nothing is more wonderful or fulfilling than aligning ourselves with God’s purposes for mankind. The Bible makes it clear in Colossians 1:16 that we are His creation, made for Him and His purposes.

We learn what God’s purpose is by studying Scripture. Hearing and applying the words of Jesus and following His example enables us to fulfill His purpose here on Earth.

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 9:37 (NKJV), “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” What makes the harvest plentiful, according to the words of Jesus? To understand, we must read the preceding verse. In Matthew 9:36 (NLT), we read, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

If Jesus were to describe the world today, He might use similar words to describe what He sees: people “confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” This is the plentiful harvest that Jesus is talking about.

Jesus is not discouraged or frustrated by the confusion or helplessness of people; instead, He sees prime opportunities everywhere! These words of Jesus encourage us and fill us with hope because, according to Him, the harvest is NOW! Helpless, confused, lost, broken, and desperate people are all around us. We are invited to be a part of God’s solution as labourers.

The good news is that we aren’t working against the tide, even if it might feel that way sometimes. Our perspective needs to change so we can see the plentiful harvest Jesus saw and continues to see. Our perspective must align with Scripture.

According to Scripture (Matthew 13:31–33, NKJV), the seed of the Gospel is and will continue to permeate the world. Both the mustard seed and the yeast described by Jesus are parables of small beginnings. The mustard seed, known for being minute, grows into a plant that can reach 9 meters in height. Similarly, a handful of yeast eventually permeates a large amount of flour (literally “three measures,” enough to make bread for 100 people)!

God’s work—the kingdom of heaven—may appear unimpressive at first, but appearances can be deceptive. In the end, no one will be able to ignore it. Human valuation often misses the point: little becomes great when God is at work.

I often reflect on the Lord’s Prayer, which highlights God’s plan for the world in the present and future. His will is made clear, and the blueprint is set before us, giving us vision:

“Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)

I never tire of hearing the prayer of Jesus. It is a powerful prayer that continues to be fulfilled. I’ll say it again: we aren’t working against the tide—our perspective just needs to align with Scripture.

We do not ignore or avoid the devastating things we see and hear in our communities and abroad. Instead, we are called to see as Jesus saw: a harvest that is plentiful!

We are instructed to pray for labourers—those who sow, water, and reap. I would even go a step further and ask God to make me (and you) a labourer.

Prayer

Dear Father, today I honour you and am grateful that you are at work in our world and in my world. Help me to see the harvest around me. May labourers, including me, rise up and see souls saved and discipled for your glory. Amen