Today’s Reading: John 4:27-38
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“I have food you know nothing about…Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”
* * * * *
Jesus’ disciples went into the village to get something to eat. They returned and offered some food to him. He refused it.
They were confused. They had traveled a long distance. They knew Jesus was hungry. They urged him to eat. But he used this moment to teach them something important.
Jesus used the physical food they offered to him to teach them an eternal reality. The most important food they would ever ingest was not physical food, but to do the will of his Father. That’s what fueled Jesus’ life. It needed to fuel theirs as well.
What was that “food” that gave his life an eternal perspective and purpose? It was the harvesting of people’s eternal souls. He came to earth to seek and save people who were lost (Luke 19:10).
This world has farming seasons dotting the calendar year that lead to eventual harvests. Similarly, human souls have spiritual seasons when they are more ready to be harvested into the kingdom.
For you to be a part of this harvest, you need to lift up your eyes and see people all around you who need God’s grace and forgiveness. They surround you.
But so many human eyes are looking inward—concerned only with their own life’s situations and problems. Or they are looking downward—discouraged and depressed. Or they are looking at others— unceasingly panting to impress and please other people.
Jesus wants you to join his mission. How? By looking up. By being aware of the numbers of people in your sphere of influence and around the world who need his grace and forgiveness. The fields around you are white for harvest.
The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Please join him.
Today, pray for the Lord’s inner promptings to lead you to someone who needs him. Listen carefully to his voice. His followers can hear his voice. Then go to that person. Offer a helping hand. Listen to his hurting heart. Pray for Jesus to open a door where you can share how he has touched your life. No one can ever refute your testimony.
Then share the truth of who Jesus is. Don’t be concerned about the possibility they may reject you. Always remember this truth: You are in sales; the Lord is in management. It’s your job to share about him. Yes, you need to offer to people the chance to respond to the gospel. But realize it’s God’s job to bring them to himself. All the pressure is gone!
Join Jesus in the most exciting adventure you can possibly imagine— pointing people to him and seeing their eternal trajectory changed.
You’ll find purpose in life like never before.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]