As we journey through life, it’s crucial to ponder why we are on this planet and what our purpose entails. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, provided us with two foundational mandates that answer this profound question. In this devotional, we will delve into these mandates and explore how we can multiply the spiritual harvest, a task that is central to our existence.

I. The Great Commandment: Love God and Love Others.  Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Our primary focus in life is to love God with all our being and to extend that love to every human being we encounter. This mandate defines who we become and shapes our identity.

II. The Great Commission: Making Disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

A. The Great Commandment: Love – Who We Are and Who We Become: Our identity as followers of Christ is rooted in love—loving God and loving others. This identity shapes our character, values, and interactions with the world.

B. The Great Commission: What We Do Because We Love: Our love for God and humanity drives us to action. We are called to make disciples, sharing the transformative message of Christ’s love and salvation.

Consider the staggering statistics that millions of people pass into eternity without hearing the message of God’s love each year. Our world cries out for the hope found in Christ, yet there remains a significant percentage that has not heard the gospel.

Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

We are called to intercede on behalf of the nations, to cast aside comfort zones, and to engage in service and ministry to others. By faith and prayer, we apply the Parable of the Sower, believing for multiplied spiritual harvests of 30, 60, and 100-fold.

Here are 10 Strategies for Christians to Multiplying the Harvest

1. Prayerful Intercession:

Begin with prayer. Jesus urged us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His field (Matthew 9:38). Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and opens doors for His work to flourish. Dedicate time to pray for the salvation of souls, the growth of His Church, and the empowerment of workers for the harvest.

2. Sharing the Gospel Boldly:

Be unashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Share your faith with friends, family, colleagues, and strangers when opportunities arise. Your personal testimony and the message of salvation can plant seeds in the hearts of those who haven’t heard.

3. Disciple Making:

Fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples. Invest in the spiritual growth of others, teaching them the ways of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). A disciple-making approach multiplies the impact of your faith beyond your own life.

4. Supporting Missions and Missionaries:

Financially and prayerfully support missionaries and organizations dedicated to spreading the gospel. Your contributions enable them to reach unreached areas and expand the Kingdom of God to new frontiers (Romans 10:15).

5. Community Outreach:

Engage in community service and outreach programs. Meeting the practical needs of your neighbors opens doors for meaningful conversations about faith. Demonstrating love through action can soften hearts and lead to spiritual inquiries (Matthew 5:16).

6. Loving Acts of Kindness:

Show Christ’s love through random acts of kindness. Small gestures of love and compassion can have a profound impact on people’s lives and open doors for sharing the gospel (1 John 3:18).

7. Training and Equipping:

Equip yourself with knowledge of the Bible and effective evangelism methods. Attend training sessions and workshops to sharpen your skills in sharing the gospel (2 Timothy 2:15).

8. Engage in Discerning Conversations:

Listen attentively to others and engage in discerning conversations. Ask questions and genuinely understand their worldviews and concerns. This approach helps tailor your message to their specific needs (Colossians 4:5-6).

9. Mentoring and Leadership Development:

Mentor and disciple others, empowering them to become leaders and workers in the harvest. Raising up new generations of believers who are passionate about evangelism multiplies the impact of your efforts (2 Timothy 2:2).

10. International Missions Trips:

Consider participating in or supporting international missions trips. These experiences often provide firsthand encounters with unreached people groups and the opportunity to share the gospel cross-culturally (Acts 1:8).

Multiplying the harvest is not the sole responsibility of one person but a collective effort of the entire body of Christ. By aligning our lives with the Great Commission and utilizing these strategies, we can actively contribute to expanding God’s Kingdom, bringing more people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember, the harvest is plentiful, and as faithful workers, we can witness a bountiful harvest in the fields where God has placed us.

To fulfill the Great Commission and reach the unreached, we must shift our thinking and methodology. The mission of Christ remains unfinished, but it can be accomplished. This necessitates a strategic power shift in our approach to missions, embracing His thoughts and methods.

As we meditate on these mandates, may we be inspired to love God and our neighbors fervently and to actively engage in making disciples, trusting in the power of God’s Word to multiply the spiritual harvest and bring completion to the Great Commission.