THE HARVEST IS READY

Jesus gives us a picture of what the last days will look like. This last-days picture began at His ascension and it will end only when He comes again—and we are getting very close to that point now!

Jesus’ disciples wanted to know the condition of things as the last days approach and He answered by speaking of famines, earthquakes, tribulations, nations divided. False prophets and false Christs will deceive many and lead multitudes astray. Believers will be hated for even mentioning Christ’s name. And the love of many will grow cold, with some falling away because of the bold increase of sin and lawlessness.

“Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:25–26). In short, Jesus is describing the most anxious, depressed, stressed-out generation of all time.

So, are His prophecies happening now, right before our eyes? Think about it. This generation definitely is full of anxiety and worry. Multitudes are fearful as they watch incredible disasters unfold: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, mudslides, tornados. Entire nations tremble with fear over the threat of terrorism. And heart failure is the number-one killer in the world today.

False religions, false prophets, false Christs are leading many astray. Millions are turning to Islam, with nation after nation infiltrated by Islamics. You would have to be in total denial if you didn’t see that everything that can be shaken right now is being shaken.

In the midst of all this upheaval and turmoil, I hear Jesus’ words: “The fields are white. The harvest is plentiful” (see John 4:35). I’m convinced that He is telling His Church, “People are ready to hear. This is the time to believe for a harvest. Now is the time for you to start reaping.”

Christ is the Lord of the harvest and if He declares that the harvest is ready, we must believe it. It doesn’t matter how wicked this generation becomes. It doesn’t matter how powerful Satan seems to have grown. Our Lord is saying to us, “Stop focusing on the difficulties around you. Instead, raise up your eyes. It’s time for you to see that the harvest is ready.”