Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Pray to the Lord of the harvest. Who is this? Let’s consider the early church as recorded in the biblical narrative of Acts.
Who descended in mighty power on the Day of Pentecost so that 3000 souls were harvested? We are specifically told it was the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17, 33). Who said to Philip “join thyself to this chariot” so that the Ethiopian Eunuch was harvested? We are specifically told it was the Spirit (Acts 8:29). Who said to Peter, “go with them, doubting nothing” that led to the opening of the Gentile harvest beginning with Cornelius? We are specifically told it was the Spirit (Acts 10:20). Who spoke to the church prayer meeting in Antioch saying, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” which began the first missionary journey of multiple harvests? We are specifically told it was the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2). And who forbade Paul’s team from going into Asia in order to get them to the Macedonian harvest? We are specifically told it was the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6).
So who is the Lord of the harvest? The implication is clearly the Holy Spirit. Jesus invites us to talk to the Holy Spirit about the harvest. He is preparing hearts. He knows who is responding and ready. He will guide those who look to Him to the prepared harvest. What a possibility! We can ask the Holy Spirit for divine appointments. We can ask Him to connect us to where He is working. May we cooperate with the Lord of the harvest—while the time of harvest still remains.
John Van Gelderen
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This answer brings up another question. Sometimes it feels confusing who to address and of course always acknowledging we’re praying through Jesus but we can pray to the father to Jesus or to the Holy Spirit?
Much of the time we do pray to the Father. But when Jesus walked this earth many cried out to Him for deliverance and He answered their prayers. Many today ask Jesus to save them and He does. Ezekiel prayed to the Spirit in Ezekiel 37:9, 14. Part of it seems to depend on which person of the Godhead is in the forefront of a given matter though all are involved. It appears based on Acts that the Holy Spirit is the Lord of the harvest and as such we can ask Him to guide us to the ready harvest.
I love this! My pastor believes you should only pray to the Father. I personally disagree in a sense, although I do believe main matters do belong to Him. But in conversation, I believe it’s wonderful to talk to Jesus—as part of the Bride, can I not get to know the Groom? Furthermore, talking with the Holy Spirit is something I don’t typically do, but I’m grateful to finally understand a reason to. This is an edit—I just wanted to make sure it didn’t sound like I was slamming my pastor. I love him to death and we agree on… Read more »
Certainly understood. There is a freedom in being able to talk to the person of the Godhead who moved in to be our personal guide.
Holy Spirit is very personal:: Our personal Comforter, Teacher, Helper in our prayers, etc. He communicates with us, and we are able respond to Him. I’m thinking of Peter who responded that he’d never eaten anything unclean. Holy Spirit answered him directly. Also Ananias when he questioned the wisdom of accepting Paul’s ministry. Holy Spirit answered him. Holy Spirit testifies to us the assurance of our salvation. Communication (prayer) with Holy Spirit was provided to us by Father and Son. Someone said the Bible is the map and Holy Spirit is the GPS. Thank you, Brother, for the emphasis of… Read more »
Love the map/GPS analogy. Thank you!