Scripture Reading: Luke 10.1-16 Today's inspiration: "Go! I am sending you. . ." Luke 10.3

Good Morning.

"Yes, something happens in wine country when Harvest begins…..We are all waiting and looking forward to the moment when the first grapes begin to come in, when all week long, from before dawn till past dark, the air has been filled with the usual din of harvest: tractors rumbling in from the vineyard, laden with bins of grapes; the clanging of stainless steel tanks being cleaned and prepped; the roar of the crusher/de-stemmer; scratchy music blasting from the juice-soaked boom box –" (from the Benchland Blog)

It has been a while since I've been to California's wine country during harvest time, but I shall never forget the beauty of the region as it bursts with the bounty of the vine. This is what the farmer toils all year to produce; this is what he cooperates with God to accomplish. I remember being at my Aunt Ruth's ranch house, nestled in almond orchards when it was harvest time. It was exciting to be there--as all the fruits of labor came to fruition. My Uncle Stoney worked so hard to supervise the comings and goings of men and machinery. Today, his sons carry on his legacy, not just in production of almonds, but corn, tomatoes, and cherries. It is easy to forget that California has such a huge agricultural industry--a $36 billion piece of our economy. So, when Jesus talks about 'the harvest' in Luke 10, it was not just His first-century hearers who could relate to His illustration! It is kind of amusing to me because I've always enjoyed decorating my home in Fall colors--appointing my fireplace mantels with green and gold vines, pumpkins, grapes and berry reds, lighting warm-scented candles for my family to enjoy--but I never really thought too much about the significance of these harvest decorations, until now. . .

In the start of Luke chapter 10, Jesus clearly becomes intentional with His expanding leadership model. He still has the band of twelve, of course, but now He chooses 70 to go out in pairs to expand the reach of the Gospel message. You can almost listen in as He sends them out with the charge, "It is Harvest time, Gentlemen--and we've got work to do. Yes, we could use more laborers, so pray that more will step up, but take My message to the people, nonetheless. Because you are taking out the message of the kingdom of God, it won't be easy for you, boys--you will face opposition, but go with My authority." There is much to be learned from the way Jesus empowered this ministry team; indeed, Jesus gave them everything they needed to succeed. Within these 24 verses in Luke 10, we see just how Jesus did that--First, He appointed them and sent them out; He gave them a meaningful task, and they knew what it was--prepare cities for His arrival; He told them why their mission was so important; He calmed their fears by His speech of preparation; He cautioned them about coming hardship; He issued explicit instructions about potential scenarios; He rejoiced with them as they returned; He evaluated and debriefed them about their experience; He prayed with them and affirmed their gifts and their future. Wow! Now that is EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.

So, how did the new team do, and what did they think? I love verse 17--Then the 72 returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." I am so grateful for this short verse; you can almost visualize them trying to talk over one another, excited to be the first to tell of their adventure, the first to share their bursting JOY at what they had experienced in doing their kingdom work. Oh, friends--this is true joy. It is joy that lasts into eternity, and cannot be taken away! And notice the source of their power--the name of Jesus. After hearing their stories and affirming the importance of their work, I can picture Jesus overflowing with joy Himself. (Do you and I do things in His name that make Jesus burst with joy?) And then, He in turn, reflects His joy to His Father in prayer, thanking God that this team--His new leadership team--got it; simple as they were, they understood and sought after the things of God.

I have been telling you how hungry people are for truth, for answers, for God. . . As we look around at this harvest of souls, let us be faithful to tell them about the God who loves them. . . let us be courageous. Speak the name of Jesus, for it is powerful--tell a hurting soul the difference God has made in your life, the assurance you have knowing that, no matter what is going on around you--even as Southern California is on fire once again--God is still on the throne.

So that ALL may know, Christine