The LORD of the harvest compels us to go into the harvest field through persecution.

“Thereafter, Jesus appointed seventy others also and sent them out two-by-two to places where he was about to go.  And he said to them, “The harvest is great, but the laborers are few.  Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.”  (Luke 10:1-2)

What was the founding principle of the Virginia Company was back in 1607?

Today’s reflection is an excerpt from Gordon Robertson’s outstanding message on the CBN website. Click here [http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/Gordon_Into_World.aspx] to read the entire message.

Starting in 1607, a missionary thread seems to weave in and out of our nation’s history. Do you know what the founding principle of the Virginia Company was back in 1607? Do you know the real reason the English settlers first came here in 1607?

When Jesus sent out seventy disciples two-by-two in verse one, the Greek word behind “sent out” (Luke 10:1) is “apostello”.  In verse two, when He said to His disciples, “Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field,” the Greek word behind “send out” (Luke 10:2) is “ekballo”, a completely different word. 

Ekballo and apostello have two entirely different meanings.  Apostello is the basis for the English word “apostle,” and it means “ambassador, commissioned one, one who carries the full weight and authority and power of the king.”  This power is specifically given to the messenger, the ambassador, to proclaim a message.

Ekballo means “drive out, cast out, or thrust out.”   When Jesus would drive out a demon, He would ekballo it.  When Jesus drove the moneychangers from the temple with a whip of cords, the Greek is ekballo.   Translating ekballo as a gentle “send out” doesn’t do the word justice.

So how does the Lord of the harvest send us into the harvest field?  He compels us to go.  Persecution arises.  The disciples scatter. Then, as it says in Acts, those who are scattered go everywhere preaching the word.

How does this apply to America?  Well, believe or not, our nation was started by missionaries, and a missionary thread weaves in and out of our history.  The real reason the first English settlers came to the New World in 1607 was not to find gold, discover a passage to the Spice Islands, establish plantations, or even pursue religious liberty.  As incredible as it sounds, their primary goal was missions. 

Four hundred years ago, the first permanent English settlement started on the coast of Virginia with an unusual purpose.  The Virginia Company had a mission statement entitled, A True and Sincere Declaration of the Purposes and Ends of the Plantation Begun in Virginia.  The first principle was “to preach and baptize into the Christian religion, and by the propagation of the Gospel, to recover out of the arms of the Devil, a number of poor and miserable souls, wrapt up unto death in almost invincible ignorance; to endeavor the fulfilling and accomplishment of the number of the elect which shall be gathered out of all the corners of the earth; and to add to our mite the treasury of heaven.” 

Prayer Power
Jesus, Your purpose in coming to earth was to seek and save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10). America was once the greatest missionary nation in the world. Use today’s Consecration Conference and tomorrow’s Dedication Sunday in Virginia Beach to unite America in prayer and restore our Christian heritage. Bless us to once again be a great missionary nation and release our wealth to bless the world. Thank You. Amen.

Link of the Day
Dedication Sunday [http://www.theassembly2007.org/dedication_sunday.php]

Blessing to go into the harvest fields willingly and joyfully!