Thursday 7 September
READ: John 4:31-38
MORE LESSON: Ezek.18:20-22
Jesus asked His disciples to look around and see that souls are ripe for harvest (John 4:35). What Jesus referred to as the white field ready for harvest was the souls of men. Jesus knew He was going to defeat Satan on the cross, break the devil’s yoke and destroy every work of slavery over men. He knew he was going to flung open the gates of hell and the power of sin over men would be broken forever, so that it would become easier for men to be saved and serve the Lord God. As for the kingdom of God, the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus were going to usher in the seemingly unending season of harvest of souls of men. Harvest time, though a period of rejoicing for farmers, is actually one of their busiest times. It is a time of serious labour because it takes much labour to bring in a great harvest.
A great harvest requires a farmer’s careful planning, skilled labour, dedication, and courage. A farmer can be intimidated and frustrated in the midst of a great harvest, especially if he lacks the hands, tools, skill and wisdom that are necessary to do the work. There are also enemies of the harvest who, out of envy, are determined to corrupt the field. Therefore, everyone who is blessed with a great white field must do everything possible within the season to bring in the harvest from the field. The first step towards overcoming the intimidation and hindrances to soul winning is a realisation of the worth of a soul; and the risk of dying without Jesus.
The Scripture says, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt.16:26. The implication of this scripture is that the wealth of the entire universe put together is not worth the value of a soul. Sinners are offenders and are in danger of being cast into hell fire. Jesus said, at the fullness of time, The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth: Matt.13:41-42. Furthermore, God said the soul that commits sin shall die unless he turns from his wicked ways (Ezek.18: 20-22).
You have a responsibility to warn and rescue sinners from dying and going to hell. According to the Scripture, when you fail to warn a sinner and he dies in his sin, you will be liable to judgement too, When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul: Ezek.3:18-19. Be courageous to save your soul and the souls of sinners.
Prayer/Action
* Lord forgive my failure to preach the gospel and the blood guilt of those who slipped through my hands to hell, in Jesus’ name.
* I receive courage to preach the gospel of salvation to all men, in Jesus’ name.
TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Today will be for honour, fulfilment and all-round joy for me, in the mighty name of Jesus.
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