The Laborers are few- Honoring a true laborer
Matthew 9:35 - 38 NKJV "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
I saw this scripture on my bible app after I prayed Friday morning, March 3rd. It was a prayer of surrender to the will of God. I had struggled with the news of the passing of my dear friend, but most of all, a mentor -- Rev. Terry McIntyre. I had been believing, speaking and had cried out to God for a full recovery for Rev. and it wasn't what I asked for. I was reprimanded immediately by God about His Sovereignty! (which humbled me immediately). Then, He showed me this scripture, Matthew 9:35-38. Truly the laborers are fewer because another laborer went home! We are not called to live this life to ourselves. God is calling us to reach the lost, to compel those who are hurting to find refuge and rest in Him through Jesus Christ, to pray for healing for those who are sick and to teach others of His ways. And, I have to say, Bishop Terry McIntyre was truly a laborer! He did all of those things that God is looking for:
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues (churches) -- Bishop went all over (near and far) teaching in different churches and he even went to people homes to teach! (He came to my house to teach my family many times)
Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom -- check! So did Bishop!
Jesus went healing every sickness and every disease among the people -- how many stories did we hear from Bishop of the healings he saw Jesus do!
Bishop answered the call, labored hard and strong, and received his reward!
God then reminded me we are not meant to live here in this physical plain forever! We are called to be with Him forever. We are called to make a difference here for Jesus and we don't know how long our assignment will last. Paul in the bible did not labor until he was in his 70s. How old was Peter when his assignment ended? And Jesus was only in His 30s when He said "It is finished".
So, I am truly blessed to have known Bishop Terry McIntyre and I look forward to seeing him again!
Our prayers are for those who love him so much more intimately -- his wife and family. I pray we will answer the call of God, and labor strongly for Him, just like Bishop.