Embracing Heartbreak for a Supernatural Harvest
Summary
In reflecting on the journey since 2012, we have witnessed God's fingerprints in our church's story, anchored by Habakkuk 3:2, which calls us to stand in awe of God's deeds and to seek their repetition in our time. Our mission has been to join God in the renewal of all things, embracing a posture of availability and obedience. Over the years, God has given us themes and scriptures that have guided us, such as "watch and wait" and "break the fallow ground," leading to a season of remarkable fruitfulness. We've seen growth in our community, with new churches planted, baptisms celebrated, and deeper discipleship embraced.
This year, the word "heartbreak" has emerged, reminding us of the ever-present harvest and the need to welcome people home. We are entering a season of supernatural harvest, marked by revival and awakening, where healing, deliverance, and restoration will abound. This vision is not mere hype; it is a prophetic declaration of what God is doing in our midst. We are called to position ourselves with resilient and compassionate hearts, ready to join God in the harvest.
Matthew 9 provides cues for our posture: a resilient heart that withstands slander and suspicion, and a compassionate heart that aches for the lost and lonely. Jesus exemplified this by continuing his mission despite accusations, driven by deep compassion, or "splagnizomai," a gut-level empathy that compels action. This compassion is not manufactured but arises from seeing the world as it is and being moved to respond.
The first fruits of this harvest are already visible, rekindling hope, faith, and perseverance. They inspire gratitude and worship, reminding us that God is with us, empowering us to fulfill our purpose. As we pray earnestly for workers in the harvest, we realize that we are part of the answer to that prayer. The call is to go and make disciples, to step into the harvest field with courage, hope, and generosity.
Key Takeaways:
- Joining God in Renewal: Our mission is to join God in the renewal of all things, embracing a posture of availability and obedience. This involves recognizing God's fingerprints in our journey and being open to His leading, even when it requires waiting and preparing our hearts for what is to come. [21:29]
- Heartbreak and Harvest: The word "heartbreak" reminds us of the ever-present harvest and the need to welcome people home. This season is marked by a supernatural harvest, where revival and awakening will bring healing, deliverance, and restoration. We are called to position ourselves with resilient and compassionate hearts, ready to join God in this work. [24:25]
- Resilient and Compassionate Hearts: Matthew 9 teaches us to have resilient hearts that withstand slander and suspicion, and compassionate hearts that ache for the lost and lonely. Jesus exemplified this by continuing his mission despite accusations, driven by deep compassion, or "splagnizomai," a gut-level empathy that compels action. [29:48]
- First Fruits and Hope: The first fruits of the harvest rekindle hope, faith, and perseverance. They inspire gratitude and worship, reminding us that God is with us, empowering us to fulfill our purpose. These first fruits are a glimpse of what is to come, motivating us to press on and continue the work of healing and restoration. [41:45]
- Praying and Becoming Workers: As we pray earnestly for workers in the harvest, we realize that we are part of the answer to that prayer. The call is to go and make disciples, to step into the harvest field with courage, hope, and generosity. This involves breaking the fear of man and stepping out boldly into the life of faith, hope, and love. [48:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:29] - Vision and Mission
- [22:37] - Past Themes and Obedience
- [23:53] - Fruitful Year of Ministry
- [24:25] - Heartbreak and Harvest
- [27:24] - Prophetic Declaration
- [28:07] - Positioning for Harvest
- [29:48] - Resilient and Compassionate Hearts
- [31:06] - Jesus' Response to Accusations
- [32:52] - Cultural Suspicion and Jesus' Mission
- [34:47] - Pharisees' Accusations
- [35:34] - Jesus' Continued Mission
- [37:10] - Compassion for the Crowds
- [38:37] - The Meaning of Compassion
- [40:44] - Heart of the Harvester
- [41:45] - First Fruits and Encouragement
- [42:56] - Hope, Faith, and Perseverance
- [44:01] - Gratitude and Worship
- [44:52] - Restoring Purpose
- [45:55] - Building Momentum
- [46:34] - Prayer for Workers
- [48:00] - Becoming Workers
- [49:44] - Harvest Time and Courage
- [50:27] - Resilience and Heart
- [51:36] - Courage and Hope
- [52:05] - Generosity and Mission
- [52:52] - Call to Go and Make Disciples
- [53:36] - Final Words and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Habakkuk 3:2
- Matthew 9:27-38
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Habakkuk 3:2 reveal about the posture we should have towards God's deeds and their repetition in our time?
2. In Matthew 9:27-38, how does Jesus demonstrate resilience and compassion in the face of slander and suspicion? [31:06]
3. What are the specific actions Jesus takes in Matthew 9 that show his compassion for the crowds? [37:10]
4. How does the concept of "splagnizomai" deepen our understanding of Jesus' compassion in Matthew 9? [38:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to "join God in the renewal of all things" challenge our current understanding of mission and obedience? [21:29]
2. What does the emergence of the word "heartbreak" signify about the current season of harvest and revival? [24:25]
3. How can the first fruits of the harvest inspire hope, faith, and perseverance in our personal and communal lives? [41:45]
4. In what ways does praying for workers in the harvest field also call us to become part of the answer to that prayer? [48:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you have seen God's fingerprints in your life or community. How can you cultivate a posture of availability and obedience to join God in His work? [21:29]
2. The sermon mentions a season of "supernatural harvest." How can you prepare your heart to be resilient and compassionate in this season? [24:25]
3. Jesus' compassion was described as "splagnizomai," a deep, gut-level empathy. How can you cultivate this kind of compassion in your daily interactions? [38:37]
4. The first fruits of the harvest are meant to rekindle hope. What are some "first fruits" you have seen in your life, and how can they motivate you to press on? [41:45]
5. How can you actively participate in the harvest by making disciples in your community? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [52:52]
6. The sermon calls us to break the fear of man and step out boldly. What specific fears are holding you back, and how can you overcome them with courage and hope? [51:36]
7. Consider the resources and time you have. How can you use them generously to support the mission of welcoming people home and joining God in the renewal of all things? [52:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Joining God in the Renewal of All Things
Our mission is to join God in the renewal of all things, embracing a posture of availability and obedience. This involves recognizing God's fingerprints in our journey and being open to His leading, even when it requires waiting and preparing our hearts for what is to come. The journey since 2012 has been marked by themes and scriptures that have guided us, such as "watch and wait" and "break the fallow ground," leading to a season of remarkable fruitfulness. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of Habakkuk 3:2, which calls us to stand in awe of God's deeds and to seek their repetition in our time. [21:29]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be more available and obedient? How can you prepare your heart to join Him in the renewal of all things?
Day 2: Heartbreak and the Supernatural Harvest
The word "heartbreak" reminds us of the ever-present harvest and the need to welcome people home. This season is marked by a supernatural harvest, where revival and awakening will bring healing, deliverance, and restoration. We are called to position ourselves with resilient and compassionate hearts, ready to join God in this work. This vision is not mere hype; it is a prophetic declaration of what God is doing in our midst. As we enter this season, we are reminded of the importance of having hearts that are both resilient and compassionate, ready to embrace the lost and lonely. [24:25]
Joel 2:23-24 (ESV): "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of being welcomed home? How can you position your heart to be both resilient and compassionate towards them today?
Day 3: Resilient and Compassionate Hearts
Matthew 9 teaches us to have resilient hearts that withstand slander and suspicion, and compassionate hearts that ache for the lost and lonely. Jesus exemplified this by continuing his mission despite accusations, driven by deep compassion, or "splagnizomai," a gut-level empathy that compels action. This compassion is not manufactured but arises from seeing the world as it is and being moved to respond. As we follow Jesus' example, we are called to cultivate hearts that are both strong and tender, ready to engage with the world around us. [29:48]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have faced slander or suspicion. How can you respond with resilience and compassion, following Jesus' example?
Day 4: First Fruits and Rekindled Hope
The first fruits of the harvest rekindle hope, faith, and perseverance. They inspire gratitude and worship, reminding us that God is with us, empowering us to fulfill our purpose. These first fruits are a glimpse of what is to come, motivating us to press on and continue the work of healing and restoration. As we witness these first fruits, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our mission, trusting that God is at work in and through us. [41:45]
James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: What are the "first fruits" you see in your life or community that rekindle your hope and faith? How can you express gratitude and worship for these glimpses of God's work?
Day 5: Praying and Becoming Workers in the Harvest
As we pray earnestly for workers in the harvest, we realize that we are part of the answer to that prayer. The call is to go and make disciples, to step into the harvest field with courage, hope, and generosity. This involves breaking the fear of man and stepping out boldly into the life of faith, hope, and love. As we embrace this call, we are reminded that God empowers us to fulfill our purpose and join Him in the work of renewal and restoration. [48:00]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the harvest today? What steps can you take to overcome fear and step out boldly in faith, hope, and love?
Quotes
"I'm not going to walk us back through the last 12 years. I just want to zero in on this question. When are we? When are we? Every time we've come around to a Vision Sunday, God has seemingly given us a word or a theme or a scripture. And when we listen to it, when we obey it, he's pretty good at fulfilling it. It's usually the issue is more on our side, whether this is going to like come to be." [00:22:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We got to move the needle on some of the brokenness and hurt happening in various marginalized communities in our city. We got to see people move deeper into discipleship. Suddenly there were like, went from zero kids to like 70 plus kids regularly in our kids ministry." [00:24:13] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I think this year and this next decade of ministry will be marked by nothing short of like supernatural harvest. I think we are coming into a season and a year unlike any in the history of our church. Can I give you like a glimpse of what I see? A church growing so strong from the inside that revival and awakening are the only words that we can use to describe it." [00:25:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"How do we position ourselves at this point in history, at this point, at this timeline of getting ready for what God seems to want to do and is about to do? And I think Matthew nine gives us some cues, helps us see what the first move is to have a heart, for the harvest, because before we talk about the harvest, I've heard one too many sermons, read one too many things out there of like, just all of the hype around, let's go get them, climb the mountain." [00:28:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Coming from a place of deep compassion, which leads us to number two. If we are going to harvest, then we have to have a resilient heart, and then we have to have a compassionate one. Let's keep reading. You with me? Verse 35. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. And when he saw the crowds, he had, say, compassion, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." [00:37:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"This compassion, this heart for the harvest comes not because someone told you to be compassionate, but because you see things as they are. See, Jesus felt so deeply connected to these people, and he felt so deeply disturbed by where they were, and by where they were being led, that Jesus had to do something. He saw the crowds and had compassion on them." [00:39:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Seeing the first fruits of a harvest after a season of scarcity and of drought can be profoundly encouraging and profoundly emboldening. Do you feel that? Did you feel that when Sarah shared those stories? You're like, I don't need anything else. You want to know why that can be emboldening? Why? Why those first fruits can move us forward? Why those first fruits are the gas on the pilot light?" [00:42:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field. In the ESV, it says it like this. Therefore, hear this, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." [00:47:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And when we pray that prayer, something unexpected happens. The answer comes back. You are part of the harvest. You are part of the answer to your prayer. What Jesus has been doing, what he's seen him doing chapter after chapter in the gospels, in his authority and power, he is handing to these disciples and he is saying, your turn. Do you see that?" [00:48:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It is not simply praying for workers, but becoming workers. Because the harvest is plentiful and the farmer's calling. So when are we? So when are we? Which I just learned is a really cheesy country song, but harvest time. So if we're gonna do this well, if we're gonna step faithfully into the next season, we need to have a harvest heart like Jesus." [00:49:44] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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