Feb 5 - So Much Work, So Little Time

Read Matthew 9:35-38

Context: Jesus' ministry is in full swing. He's been baptized; healed the sick, the blind, and the mute; spoken wisdom in the Sermon on the Mount; and has calmed the storm. There are many who are coming to him for advice and healing.

Text:
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

No matter how hard we work and how much we accomplish, it seems there is always a huge to-do list. Within 12 hours of cleaning every piece of clothing in the house, there is always more laundry. Within 4 hours of a great lunch, it's time to cook and do dishes again. After working for weeks to refinish a room, there is always another room that looks a little shabby. In less than a week of mowing, trimming, and weeding, the dog disappears in the grass again. Add to that needs of extended family and neighbors, ministry activities, school events, and your 'official' job...it never ends!

Despite the fact that Jesus was God, in his earthly form he too got tired. He worked long hours and had great successes, but everywhere he turned there were more crowds waiting to hear him speak, reaching out to touch him so they could be healed. In his compassion he wanted to heal them all. But even more, he wanted them to turn fully to God and to realize their eternal needs were more significant than their current illnesses. It was becoming obvious that many wanted the healing and no more...they were thankful but they weren't willing to change their lives in response to Jesus' teachings. There was so much to do, and so little time...