Tobacco Fields Back Home

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd January 31, 2017 - Filed in Devotional - 8,354 views
  Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, 'The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest.' Luke 10:1 WEB
  
  By the early afternoon, we were covered up to our shoulders in tobacco gum. As we cropped the tobacco leaves off by hand, a layer of the sticky gum would get on your arms, then the sand from the leaves would stick to that. Then another layer of gum, and another layer of dirt built up until you were covered in something resembling black tar. It was highly water resistant and difficult to get off.
  
  The tobacco cropping season came during the months of July and August in the South. That was the time to bring the ripe tobacco into the barns. This was the hottest part of summer and when bent down between the rows, there was no wind at all. The harvesters would often struggle through the intense southern heat.
  
  That day, some of the croppers became sick, partly from the heat and partly from the diesel fumes of the tractor. One by one, they began vomiting and falling out, leaving the rest of us to carry their row. We did make it through the day and filled the barn, but we really needed more help that day.
  
  There is a great harvest in the kingdom of God starting to happen and the laborers are few. We are approaching the greatest harvest and many of the ones already in the field have become hurt, sick, discouraged, or passed on. There is room for more. Isaiah said: 'Here I am, send me!' (Isaiah 6:8) and God did. Wherever you are, pray for more laborers. We really need help in the field today.
  
  It was interesting that Jesus sent the laborers out ahead of Him, to the places where He was about to go. In my life, I have always wanted to be where the revival was, but usually ended up being somewhere else while it happened. The laborers prepare the way for the Lord to come. They go ahead of Him into the fields. So if you are a laborer, know that your work is not in vain. You are preparing the way for the Lord to come.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all that You do for me, for allowing me to know You. Put those in my path that I can reach and give me the words to speak and I will say them. Fill me with a boldness and Your passion for the lost, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: The Creation Photographers fun theme of the week is "The Many Colors of Love", based on 1 Cor 13:4-8. All are invited to join in the fun! Also, Pastor Dion has created two new groups for the musicians and techies out there called "Make a Joyful Noise" and "Fun with Electronics". To find any of these groups, just go to the Groups listing on the site menu. Have a blessed day!