Disciples follow Jesus’
call to go engage the world
as a pray-er to the Lord of the Harvest
Last week we focused on coming out from the world to pray about it as a harvest-field. This week we think of going into the world while seeing it as the harvest field Jesus saw.
Following Jesus as We Come 'n Go
Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Pondering Point
This verse comes from Jesus’ parable of the talents.
Looking back on my life in the church, the focus of these verses often surrounds the initial words, well done, good and faithful servant! Today though we zero in on the end of the master’s comment, "Come and share your Master's happiness".
While I imagine that the Lord is thrilled to have faithful servants, I don't think His happiness is limited to celebrating what we've done for Him. Consider that our God’s joy (the master’s happiness) is to have us experience the good He is doing for us – starting in Jesus, continuing in Jesus, and climaxing in Jesus for eternity.
You and I being with God is part of our Master’s happiness, enjoying everything He has for us. The point of "gathering the harvest" is not to become known as a harvest-gatherer (a good and faithful servant) but for the harvest itself to be gathered.
The final harvest is people and the ultimate goal is for people to end up with God the Master, sharing in His happiness. So, while it is great that you become a good and faithful servant, the greater joy is that the Master’s happiness is shared by many harvested-harvesters. The more gathered, the more joy.
Prayer for the Day
Father God, Master of all, I desire to become Your good and faithful servant. But I look forward even more to the celebration of Your final harvest when You share Your happiness with us in the new heaven and earth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.