“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” —Matthew 9:37-38
When one of my grandsons, who is very verbal, was three or four years old, I asked him why we have Thanksgiving. He thought for a few minutes with unwavering determination to find the answer. Finally he responded, "To thank Jesus and Honey"—that's my grandmother name—"She gets to cook, and I like the desserts the best." I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing at "she gets to cook." He was too serious in his answer.
The next question I asked was what we are thanking Jesus for. Again, that determined expression appeared on his face. He answered, "For my mommy and daddy, Honey and Papa, Granddaddy, and Grammy," and he continued naming more family and friends. Then I had to bite my tongue again, because he paused and added that he was thankful for his toys.
I knew he was too young to understand why we celebrate Thanksgiving or how it even started. When I thought about why Thanksgiving was originally celebrated, I knew it was a celebration of the harvest, but I thought it was also to celebrate religious freedom. The Pilgrims did flee England for religious reasons, but they first went to Holland, where they were free to worship. Yet in Holland the Pilgrims lived in poverty, working in places like a wool factory with long hours and low pay. They had religious freedom but were lacking in so many other ways. Their hearts became fixed on the New World and a better life, where they could have freedom and a decent living.
They came to the new land of America and planted various crops in hopes of a good harvest. When the first harvest came in, the colonists held a feast and were surprised when the Native Americans arrived as well, bringing food. They shared the meal together, and peace and friendship were established. This gave the Pilgrims an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with the Native Americans. Much food was enjoyed that day, but the most important food the Pilgrims brought to the table was nourishment for the soul.
What I enjoy about the early history of the Pilgrims is their heart to teach the Native Americans about salvation in the Lord. Today it is wonderful that we have people called to other countries to witness and advance the gospel. I applaud them for giving up the comforts of America. But what if you are not called to another country to evangelize? There are plenty of places to evangelize right here in our own communities.
Our America is called the "Land of Plenty," but when I think of that in spiritual terms, I know there is plenty of need for more evangelism. As Christians, this country needs us. Look around—you don’t need to go far to see the need for Christ in people's lives. A neighbor, a friend, a store employee, someone at your workplace or your gym needs Jesus. The Pilgrims stepped out and took a chance, speaking into a culture that worshiped other spirits. And they did it with everything to lose. They had crossed an ocean, buried half their company that first winter, and were depending on these very neighbors to survive. They spoke anyway. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays, can we step out too and share our testimony? Most of us risk nothing more than an awkward moment. Jesus spoke to His disciples about the need we all have for salvation. We plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit finish the work.
Jesus said it this way: "Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35 NIV). The disciples were looking at a calendar. Jesus was looking at the people walking toward Him.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the Lord's goodness toward you and your loved ones. Ideally, it is a time when family and friends share a meal, tell stories, and laugh. Thanksgiving is also "thanks in giving"—remembering and praying for those who left comfort, whether here in America or in another country, to bring in the harvest. At the table, it is good to hear the stories of those the Lord put on your heart, or on someone else's heart, as they stepped out of their comfort zone to win a soul for the Lord. Without sowing and reaping, a person may not join us in eternity. Our challenge is to not let pride or fear keep us from sharing our testimony and giving someone the hope of eternal life.
That three-year-old grandson I spoke of earlier is now married and working for One For Israel, a ministry that is winning souls for Jesus. More than a million Hebrew speakers and six hundred thousand Arabic speakers now subscribe to their releases. He travels the country visiting the partners whose support makes that possible, and he loves hearing their testimonies. I don't get to watch him work, but I hear the stories when he comes home. When he tells me about another salvation, he knows one more soul has been taken from the clutches of the enemy. And I think about a little boy at my table who was thankful for his toys.
The Pilgrims crossed an ocean for opportunity. They were looking for land and a living, and they found both—but the greater opportunity was waiting at that table, in the faces of people who had never heard the name of Jesus. That opportunity has not closed. It is still a land of opportunity, and the fields are still ripe.
Who could you invite to your table this Thanksgiving? Perhaps it is someone you helped come to faith, and you could encourage them to tell their story. Perhaps it is someone with no family nearby, or a neighbor you have been praying for. Or perhaps your table is simply where you finally tell your own story out loud. The Pilgrims were brave to reach out to a people who believed in other spirits. You can be brave too, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Before you pass the rolls this year, ask the Lord to show you the field He has already planted you in, and how He wants to use you to bring in the harvest.
Let's pray:
Lord, I hear so many people say our America is becoming less spiritual. How can I help to change that? You have given instructions in the Scriptures about the need to evangelize, and I want to obey. Help me not to fear approaching a person. Help me not to feel rejected if I am turned away. Keep my pride from judging. Help me to love that person no matter how they might respond. I want to make a difference for the kingdom. Open people's hearts and help me share my faith when You prompt me to. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
