Workers In The Field

Jesus says, You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!  John 4:35–36 NLT

Upon seeing this miraculous sign, the shepherds recounted what had just happened. Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was astonished by what they were told. But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant. The shepherds returned to their flock, ecstatic over what had happened. They praised God and glorified Him for all they had heard and seen for themselves, just like the angel had said.  Luke 2:17-20 TPT

And what of the financial toll on the Shepard’s to leave their flocks to take the message of Jesus’ birth out to the people?  

The Christian life is inconvenient, full of detours, and rarely simple. In other words, genuine service is rooted in what we do for God, not what God can do for us.

Just as the lives of those shepherds changed forever that night, we have the same opportunity with those whom God puts in our path to serve. 

As Christ-followers, we have the opportunity to be radically different in the work world. Let everyone else boast in their paychecks, seemingly lavish  lifestyles, and crazy accomplishments. We get to show up every day and serve the one, true God. 

Let’s be more about what we give than what we get. That’s a bit of a Christmas message isn’t it. 

Jesus' birth took place when Herod was king of Judea. At this time, the wise men, Magi, from the east saw a great star. They followed it, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. 

As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah – from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.

The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Micah 5:2 NET

The wise men continued to follow the star in search of the newborn king. They found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem.

Jesus was born, He gave up all of His rights and came to serve us.  Immanuel "God with us" as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. God in the flesh came to live with mankind! Amazing grace! 

And just as Holy Spirit made this possible in the Christmas story, the same Spirit makes Jesus Christ present today in the life of every believer. I wonder if Isaiah understood the full and far-reaching meaning of this name. 

Even as you’re reading this now, it’s my prayer that the eyes of your heart would begin to look up today because you and I are those planters and harvesters! 

You and I are called to be the workers in the field, equipped and empowered, destined to lead people to the abundant life that can only be found in Jesus.  

Today, seek out opportunities to do that. There’s no limit to what God will do!