Drawing close to others – 17 July 2009

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:1-2. [NIV]

I have wondered recently whether the harvest is indeed plentiful in the . I am not a natural evangelist, but even if I were I think I would have difficulty in bringing people to the Lord in this country. Many people do not recognise that they need God, as they have so much materially. People also fill their lives with relentless activity; work, family and pleasure.

A friend pointed out to me that there is still need in this country, lurking behind the public persona that people choose to portray. Often people are afraid to admit they have needs, afraid to show any weakness. It is only as we draw close to people that they may admit that they are lonely, addicted to something, depressed, anxious or fearful.

As we take steps to engage with others, as we use our resources to make friends, as we learn to serve through the right motives we will draw close to others. I think it is then we will have more opportunity to present Jesus to people, and be his workers in the harvest field.