Matthew 9
As the devil would only dwell in a house that was swept from godliness (Luke 11:25), so the graces of God will not come into the heart that is not cleansed from wickedness, for God will only pour new wine into new vessels (Matt. 9:17). Henry Smith, et al. A Biblical Guide to Hearing and Studying the Word of God,
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Matthew 9:38:
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. |
 AB Simpson
Prayer is the mighty force that will move missionary work. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38). We are asking God to touch the hearts of men every day by the Holy Spirit, so that they shall be compelled to go abroad and preach the gospel. We are asking Him to awaken them at night with the solemn conviction that the heathen are perishing and that their blood will be upon their souls. God is answering that prayer by sending persons to us every day who feel that the king's business [requires] haste (1 Samuel 21:8). Beloved, pray, pray, pray. And as petitions rise to the heavens there will be a period of silence in heaven, and the coals of fire will be emptied out upon the earth, and the coming of the Lord will begin to draw nearer. Pray until the Lord of the harvest shall thrust forth laborers into His harvest. Send the coals of heavenly fire, From the altar of the skies; Fill our hearts with strong desire, Till our prayers like incense rise.
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