Lord Jesus Christ spoke with the Samaritan woman, she went to the village to talk about her spiritual discovery of the Messiah. Disciples came back from the village where they had gone to get food. Lord spoke to his disciples after they returned. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35) The disciples were not born blind that they cannot see. However, the Lord expected them not to have a casual look, but to see with intention, purpose and meaning. That applies to all disciples in the history of the church including us.
1) Look beyond geographical limits: The disciple had to look beyond the limits of Judea and look into Samaria and further to the uttermost parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
2) Look beyond the local church: Disciples ought to look beyond the local church. There are many disciples as well as pastors who think of the local church as their ultimate goal. Their dedication and commitment are limited to one congregation. However, the Lord expects disciples to move beyond and plant more churches, creating a network of churches.
3) Look for harvesters: The disciples should not just be looking like a passive spectator but a dynamic involver. They should be engaged in the work of harvesting. They will understand the task is overwhelming. The need for harvesters which is critical will come to focus.
4) Lift your eyes: That drives the disciples to lift eyes towards the Lord of Harvest who is in Heaven. (Luke 10:2) Praying to the Lord to send more harvesters is an important and strategic step in missions.
5) Long sight: Disciples are expected to have a long-sight, not affiliated with myopia (short-sight). That also means to have eternal perspective.
6) Loss by laziness and lethargy: Harvest not done on time would rot and perish.
7) Life purpose: The priority and primary task of a disciples is to make disciples.
Do I look with the eyes of harvest?