Dear Ones:
In C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia,” there is a little phrase which is, in essence, the initiative, energy, and operational success of the entire object of the narrative: “Aslan is on the move.” What does this mean? It is in reference to the Lord Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, moving, working actively in the affairs of men. In Psalm 110:3 we are confronted with this reality, that God DOES work in power in and among men. But how? And in response to what?
The Lord Jesus, when He saw the multitudes, was moved with COMPASSION upon them. He saw them fainting, scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. It was at this moment that He said to His disciples: “…The harvest TRULY is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that HE will send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Matt. 9:37-38) What do we discover here? We first see great need, the need of the multitude, lost, languishing, and leaderless. The we see that it is COMPASSION that changes the whole picture, and results in hope. Someone has once said that, “…the measure of a man’s usefulness is the measure of his compassion.” Christ’s compassion dominates this situation. But how is that compassion used, applied? Its effect is seen in the call to prayer for “Aslan to move.” The answer to this need is PRAYER, effective and persistent prayer, for a specific thing…that GOD would move in the calling and sending of “laborers” into the harvest. Jesus told his disciples: “You have NOT chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit…” (Jn.15:16) We are dealing with the very real intervention of God as He deals with individuals, calling them and sending them into the harvest. We are dealing with the “…day of His power,” when He moves, speaks, convicts, calls and sends forth.
It was when Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, and he was cleansed from his sin, that the Lord asked the question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” To which Isaiah would respond, “Here am I, send me.” It was Saul of Tarsus who, when he had the vision of Christ on the road to Damascus, would ask: “Lord, what would you have me to do?” In both of these instances, God revealed Himself (in a different way and time) to individuals who were sure of who He was, and what was their calling. So, today, since the multitudes are innumerable and the need so very great, let us pray in like manner.
Dear Father, grant us first Your compassion, that we will be moved this day to intercede for the sending forth of laborers into Your harvest. Grant us to believe You for the day of your power, to call, convict and convince those whom you are calling to your service. Enable us to truly believe you to do the wonderful thing TODAY…for You are the God of all compassion and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad