Our Lord told us to look at the fields that are ripe unto harvest. What type of look is this? It is not the look of observation – “oh, there is a field.” It is not the look of identification – “oh, there is a field ready for harvest.” Instead, it is a look of possession. Our Lord asks us to look at the field in such a way that we do whatever is necessary to possess the field; or, in the case of the spiritual harvest, bring the field into God’s Kingdom. 

Let me put this in terms of purchasing a vehicle. I may go to the car dealer and notice some nice Hummers. That is just the look of observation. I may notice yellow Hummers. That is the look of identification. I can kick the tires and open the doors on all the Hummers on the lot but until I go talk to the dealer about how to possess one of those Hummers for myself, I have not looked at the Hummer in the way God wants me to look at the harvest.

Most everyone can observe and identify the harvest field. Those people in that field are everywhere. Very few of us want to really look at the harvest field in such a way as to do what is necessary to possess it for God. How many non-believers do you know? At what level? Identify? Observe? Or building a relationship to win them to the Kingdom? Who are you bringing to church with you this Sunday?

This Norm’s Notes topic will be expanded into a message this fall.