Andrew Murray’s Call for Workers and Pray-ers
In 1905 Andrew Murray wrote an appeal to the children of Christian parents, which was called ‘Laborers for the Harvest’. And he said this in the appeal: “When Jesus saw the multitude scattered as sheep without a shepherd, he was moved with compassion. And what did he do? He turned to his disciples for aid, and he said that they must pray for laborers. God's provision for the need of the world would be accomplished by the cooperation of his people, first in prayer and then in work.”
He goes on to talk about how the church today (or then but today as well) needs people who will pray and people who will work for God, and that each one of us is called to both of these roles!
Teachers and Missionaries
Especially, he said, there needs to be teachers, people who will teach children in the ways of God. Of course, our schools in those days were very God focused, not so anymore, sadly. But good teachers can still instil the love of God in their students in various ways. And then he spoke about missionaries, how we need missionaries to go and spread the gospel around.
Every Christian a Worker
But then he said this: “There are other workers. Every Christian is called to be a worker for God, and working for him must be the main object, not a side issue in whatever position or business you're in. You must know that you live only to serve the Lord and that all your money, your influence, your talents are for His command.”
Do you have a sense, my friends, that there is a great need for the love of God in the world? Do you have a sense that there's a great need for people to encounter godly individuals and to see the love of Jesus and the holiness of God in people? How would the world be changed if we all saw our call to Christian work and lived in a way that shows forth God in everything?
Every Christian’s Call to Prayer
And more than that, what if we would pray? What if we would pray the way that the great Saints have prayed, sacrificing time and comfort and food at times, and convenience in order to pray more?
Murray’s Transformation
Murray was transformed from a bit of a reluctant early Christian to a powerful man of God because he prayed much and did work for God in everything. How about us? God needs laborers who will pray and work. Are you going to pray and work for God? There will be people who God can only speak to through you, maybe in your family or your workplace. There will be people who God is calling you to pray for and to share his love with. The need is great, and it's only when God's laborers do the work that things change.
I pray you'll take up the challenge like Andrew Murray gave to those people that day. Pray and work for God every day of your life.
