Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "harvest" often symbolizes the gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. This metaphor is richly woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the urgency and importance of evangelistic work. Those who are engaged in this divine task are referred to as "labourers," a term that underscores the diligence, commitment, and divine calling required for this spiritual endeavor.Biblical Foundation The concept of the harvest and the role of labourers is prominently featured in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus articulates the need for labourers: "Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest'" (Matthew 9:37-38). This passage highlights both the abundance of the harvest and the scarcity of those willing to engage in the work, urging believers to pray for more workers to be sent forth. Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the urgency of the harvest: "Do you not say, 'There are still four months until the harvest'? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). Here, Jesus challenges His followers to recognize the immediacy of the spiritual harvest and to act without delay. Characteristics of Labourers Labourers in the harvest are characterized by several key attributes as depicted in Scripture. First and foremost, they are called by God. This divine calling is not merely an invitation but a commissioning, as seen in the sending of the seventy-two in Luke 10:1-2: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest'" . Labourers are also expected to exhibit perseverance and dedication. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often refers to the toil and hardship associated with the work of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul describes himself and Apollos as "God’s fellow workers," emphasizing the collaborative and strenuous nature of the task. Moreover, labourers are to be equipped with the message of the Gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This empowerment is essential for the effective proclamation of the Gospel and the gathering of the harvest. The Role of the Church The Church, as the body of Christ, plays a crucial role in the preparation and sending of labourers. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ" . This equipping involves teaching, training, and encouraging believers to engage in the work of the harvest. Furthermore, the Church is called to support labourers through prayer, financial assistance, and moral encouragement. The Apostle Paul frequently acknowledges the support he received from various churches, as seen in Philippians 4:16-18, where he expresses gratitude for their partnership in his ministry. Conclusion The metaphor of the harvest and the role of labourers serve as a powerful reminder of the mission entrusted to believers. The call to participate in the harvest is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring a response of faith, obedience, and dedication to the work of the Kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 9:37Then said he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Harvest Joy The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ... Off Duty The Great Shepherd The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China. Carey's Family and Friends The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ... Cheer Up, My Comrades! With the Rev. William Burns Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Resources What is a spiritual harvest and how can I achieve one? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org Harvest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Harvest of Barley, Before Wheat Harvest of Wheat at Pentecost, in Palestine Harvest: And of Wheat Before Harvest Time Harvest: Promises of Plentiful Harvest: Sabbath Desecrated In Harvest: Sabbath to be Observed In The Harvest of a Time of Judgment The Harvest of a Time when Many are Ready to Receive the Gospel The Harvest of Barley at the Passover The Harvest of Ripeness for Wrath The Harvest of Seasons of Grace The Harvest of the End of the World The Harvest of Wheat at Pentecost The Harvest: (Cold In) of a Refreshing Message The Harvest: (Dew In) of God's Protection The Harvest: (Rain In) Honor Given to Fools The Harvest: A Time of Great Joy The Harvest: Called The: Appointed Weeks of Harvest The Harvest: Called The: Harvest Time The Harvest: Failure of a Cause of Great Grief The Harvest: Failure of a Punishment for Sin The Harvest: Failure of Occasioned by Drought The Harvest: Failure of Occasioned by Locusts The Harvest: Failure of Sometimes Continued for Years The Harvest: Fields Appeared White Before The Harvest: Former and Latter Rain Necessary to Abundance of The Harvest: Ingathering of Fruits of the Fields The Harvest: Legal Provision for the Poor During The Harvest: Men and Women Engaged In The Harvest: Miraculous Thunder In The Harvest: Not to be Commenced Until the First Fruits had been offered The Harvest: Omitted in the Sabbatical Year The Harvest: Omitted in Year of Jubilee The Harvest: Patience Required in Waiting For The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Binders The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Called Harvest-Men The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Called Labourers The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Fed by the Husbandman During The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Often Defrauded of Their Wages The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Reapers The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Received Wages The Harvest: Slothfulness During, Ruinous The Harvest: The Sabbath to Observed During The Harvest: To Continue Without Intermission Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |