Embracing the Harvest: A Call to Action
Summary
Reflecting on our journey since 2012, Vision Sunday serves as a moment to acknowledge God's presence and work within our community. Our mission has always been simple: to be available for whatever God wants to do, without conditions. Anchored in Habakkuk 3:2, we strive to bridge the gap between scripture and our current experiences, joining God in the renewal of all things. Each year, God provides us with a guiding theme, and this year, it is "harvest." This theme signifies the fruition of our obedience and the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come with it. We are entering a season unlike any before, one that promises supernatural growth and revival. Words like "awakening" and "revival" will define this period as we witness salvations, healings, and restorations.
The passage from Matthew 9 reminds us of the plentiful harvest and the need for workers. We are called to have compassionate and resilient hearts, like Jesus, to be effective workers in this harvest. The first fruits we see are not just glimpses of what's to come but are the fuel that propels us forward. They renew our hope, validate our faith, and inspire gratitude. Importantly, they remind us that our waiting was not in vain.
Jesus instructs us to pray earnestly for workers, and in doing so, we become part of the answer to our prayers. The kingdom of God is not just about theory or practice; it is about becoming the workers we pray for. The harvest is plentiful, and the call is urgent. Jesus' final words to his disciples emphasize the mission: to go and make disciples of all nations, with the assurance that He is with us always. As we embrace this season of harvest, we are invited to accelerate the vision through radical generosity, knowing that God goes with us.
Key Takeaways
- Availability for God's Work: Our mission is to be available for whatever God wants to do, without conditions. This requires a heart that is open and willing to say "yes" to God's call, trusting in His plans and timing. Our availability is a testament to our faith and commitment to God's work in our community. [09:37]
- The Season of Harvest: The theme of "harvest" signifies a time of fruition and fulfillment. It is a period where we witness the results of our obedience and faithfulness. This season is marked by supernatural growth, revival, and the restoration of what was broken. It is a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor and God's faithfulness. [11:02]
- Compassionate and Resilient Hearts: To be effective workers in God's harvest, we need hearts that are compassionate and resilient. Like Jesus, we must have empathy for those around us and the strength to persevere through challenges. Our hearts must be aligned with God's heart, ready to serve and love others. [12:11]
- Prayer and Action: Jesus calls us to pray earnestly for workers, and in doing so, we become part of the answer to our prayers. The kingdom of God requires both prayer and action. We are called to be the workers we pray for, actively participating in God's mission. [14:13]
- The Great Commission: Jesus' final words to His disciples emphasize the mission to make disciples of all nations. This mission is accompanied by the promise of His presence with us always. As we go forth, we are assured of His authority and guidance, empowering us to fulfill our calling. [16:18]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Reflecting on Our Journey
- [04:30] - Our Mission and Anchor
- [06:45] - Theme of the Year: Harvest
- [09:37] - Entering a New Season
- [11:02] - The Plentiful Harvest
- [12:11] - Compassionate Hearts for the Harvest
- [13:04] - The Power of First Fruits
- [14:13] - Prayer and Becoming Workers
- [15:30] - The Urgency of the Call
- [16:18] - The Great Commission
- [17:45] - God's Presence with Us
- [19:00] - Invitation to Radical Generosity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Habakkuk 3:2: "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
- Matthew 9:35-38: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the theme "harvest" as mentioned in the sermon? How does it relate to the church's journey since 2012? [09:37]
2. According to Matthew 9:35-38, what actions did Jesus take when he saw the crowds? How did he describe the state of the people?
3. How does the sermon describe the role of "first fruits" in the context of the church's mission and vision? [12:11]
4. What specific instruction does Jesus give regarding prayer in Matthew 9:38, and how is this reflected in the sermon? [13:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "availability for God's work" challenge the traditional understanding of mission and service within the church? [09:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the current season of "harvest" is different from previous seasons in the church's history? [11:02]
3. How does the sermon interpret the call to have "compassionate and resilient hearts" in the context of being effective workers in God's harvest? [12:11]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between prayer and action in the context of the Great Commission? [14:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own availability for God's work. Are there areas in your life where you have placed conditions on your willingness to serve? How can you open your heart to say "yes" to God's call without reservations? [09:37]
2. The sermon speaks of a season of supernatural growth and revival. How can you personally contribute to this season within your community or church? [11:02]
3. Consider the idea of having a compassionate and resilient heart. How can you cultivate these qualities in your interactions with others, especially those who are struggling or in need? [12:11]
4. Jesus instructs us to pray for workers in the harvest. How can you be part of the answer to this prayer in your daily life? What steps can you take to actively participate in God's mission? [13:04]
5. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who you can reach out to this week. What specific actions can you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [16:18]
6. The sermon invites us to accelerate the vision through radical generosity. What does radical generosity look like for you, and how can you practice it in your community? [19:00]
7. Reflect on the promise of Jesus' presence with us always. How does this assurance impact your approach to challenges and opportunities in your spiritual journey? [16:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Unconditional Availability
Our mission is to be available for whatever God wants to do, without conditions. This requires a heart that is open and willing to say "yes" to God's call, trusting in His plans and timing. Our availability is a testament to our faith and commitment to God's work in our community. Being available means setting aside our own agendas and being ready to respond to God's promptings, even when they lead us into the unknown. It is about living with a posture of surrender, where we allow God to use us as instruments for His purposes. [09:37]
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to say "yes" to God? How can you practice being more available to His call today?
Day 2: Celebrating the Season of Harvest
The theme of "harvest" signifies a time of fruition and fulfillment. It is a period where we witness the results of our obedience and faithfulness. This season is marked by supernatural growth, revival, and the restoration of what was broken. It is a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor and God's faithfulness. As we enter this season, we are reminded that our efforts and patience have not been in vain. The harvest is a testament to God's promises and His ability to bring about transformation in our lives and communities. [11:02]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are beginning to see the fruits of your labor? How can you celebrate and give thanks for this harvest today?
Day 3: Cultivating Compassionate and Resilient Hearts
To be effective workers in God's harvest, we need hearts that are compassionate and resilient. Like Jesus, we must have empathy for those around us and the strength to persevere through challenges. Our hearts must be aligned with God's heart, ready to serve and love others. Compassion allows us to see the needs of others and respond with love, while resilience gives us the strength to continue even when the journey is difficult. Together, these qualities enable us to be faithful workers in the harvest. [12:11]
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." (1 Peter 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of compassion today? How can you show them love and support in a tangible way?
Day 4: Praying and Becoming the Answer
Jesus calls us to pray earnestly for workers, and in doing so, we become part of the answer to our prayers. The kingdom of God requires both prayer and action. We are called to be the workers we pray for, actively participating in God's mission. Prayer is not just about asking God to send others; it is about being willing to step into the role ourselves. As we pray, we open our hearts to God's leading and become ready to act on His behalf. [14:13]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific prayer you have been praying for others? How can you take a step today to be part of the answer to that prayer?
Day 5: Living the Great Commission
Jesus' final words to His disciples emphasize the mission to make disciples of all nations. This mission is accompanied by the promise of His presence with us always. As we go forth, we are assured of His authority and guidance, empowering us to fulfill our calling. The Great Commission is not just a command; it is an invitation to partner with God in His work of redemption. As we live out this mission, we are reminded that we do not go alone; Jesus is with us every step of the way. [16:18]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the love of Jesus with today? What practical step can you take to reach out to them?
Quotes
"Since 2012, Vision Sunday has been this chance to look back, to see where we've been, to recognize the fingerprints of God on our community, to remember all that he's done. In 2012, when we launched Sanctuary, we launched it with a really simple why. Right? Something we repeat literally every week at Sanctuary. We want to be here for whatever God wants to do." [00:07:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We want to be a people that say yes. No strings, no conditions, just availability. Habakkuk 3 .2 is our anchor. Lord, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds. Repeat them in our day, in our time, make them known, right? That's what we have been about." [00:07:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Working to close the gap between what we read in scripture and what we experience in our time to join God in the renewal of all things. And every year, it seems like the Lord gives us a word or a theme, something from the scriptures to guide us. And when we've listened, when we've been obedient to the mission, God's been pretty good at fulfilling it." [00:08:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Harvest speaks to the fruit of joining God in this past season, the joy and the satisfaction and the purpose, the fulfillment, the result of obedience, the peace, the breakthrough. Harvest is all of that. It's the process, one writer says, that leads to the period." [00:09:41] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I believe this year will mark a new decade of ministry. What God is going to do over the next decade will be nothing short of supernatural. I see a church growing so strong from the inside that we're going to be able to do it. We're going to be able to do it. Words like revival and awakening will be the only words we can come up with to describe it." [00:10:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." [00:11:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I want to encourage you to go back and listen to the Vision Sunday sermon. In it, I talked about how we need the right heart for the harvest. We need a resilient heart for the harvest. We need a compassionate heart like Jesus that weeps for the world around us if we are to be the workers that God can use for this harvest." [00:11:50] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Seeing the first fruits of a harvest after a season of scarcity or drought can be profoundly encouraging and emboldening. It does a couple things for us. It renews our hope. It validates faith and perseverance. It inspires gratitude and worship. It restores our sense of purpose. It builds momentum. It reveals the power of God." [00:12:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus invites us to pray, but then he invites us to be the answer to the very prayer we just prayed. This is how the kingdom works. It's never just theory. It's never just practice. It's not just praying for workers. It's becoming workers because the harvest is plentiful and the farmer, man, the farmer is calling." [00:14:42] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"In light of that, in light of all that authority in heaven and on earth given to Jesus, he says, go therefore, make disciples, make apprentices of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." [00:15:50] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And then he says, and behold, which is like lift up your eyes, behold, be aware, know this, fix your eyes on this. And what does he say? I am with you always to the very end of the age. God goes with us, sanctuary." [00:16:18] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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