“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Luke 10:2

Ministry opportunities are vast, but it’s hard to find people who are willing to do the work. So here’s what Jesus says we’re to do: “Ask the Lord of the harvest… to send out workers into his harvest field” (10:2).

To “send out” means to thrust out or to drive out. This is what we need to pray for. We need to ask God to place an inner compulsion in many hearts. What will it take for those who are thrust out to fulfill the work that God gives to them? What is the profile of the person that God uses?

1. They Work Hard

“Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore to send out workers into His harvest field.”  Luke 10:2

This isn’t about sitting on top of a combine, driving back and forth with headphones on listening to music. If that’s your picture of ministry, you won’t last long. The picture is of laborers who harvest the corn by hand.  

Plenty of people want to try their hand at ministry, but few are ready to give themselves to hour after hour of hard work. This is why we have to pray that the Lord will thrust these people out. 

There is a vast harvest and only a few workers in the field, so if you throw yourself into Christian ministry, you’ll soon feel overwhelmed. The harvest cannot be brought in by a laid back group of people who want to lend a hand, within the boundaries of their own comfort and convenience.

2. They Take Risks

“I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”  Luke 10:3

What chance does a lamb have in the company of wolves? Of all the pictures of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, I’ve never once seen one with Him sending the sheep out among wolves, but that’s exactly what He says here.

Those who have achieved great things for Christ have always been ready to take risks. And those who are unwilling to take risks will never accomplish much. The church desperately needs entrepreneurs who are ready to take significant risks in order to make greater gains. 

Are these things true of you?

I have found this very searching as I’ve tried to examine myself in the light of this profile. Are these things true of you? If you are to fulfill your calling, harvesting the opportunities that God has placed all around you, then you need these things to be true of you too…

1. Are you ready to renew your commitment to the hard work of ministry? Or will you stay within your comfort zone?
2. Are you ready to take some risks for the gospel? Or will you play it safe?

This LifeKey is based on the message “Ministry,” by Pastor Colin S. Smith, from the series, “The Conveniently Neglected Teachings of Jesus” preached on May 16, 2004.