Chaplain's Corner
Mark Shogren
Oct 2026
October's Monthly Chaplain Message:
From: Ch. Mark Shogren, Post 91, Edwin L. Jones, Oconomowoc
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Luke 10:1-2 KJV
In many Western countries, the Harvest Festival is celebrated during the month of October. America has been blessed with an abundance of rich farmland. I personally believe this was a blessing from God when our Nation was originally formed. You cannot visit Washington DC and not recognize the significant role God and Bible played in forming our Nations laws and founding documents. America is considered the “Bread basket of the world”, a true blessing from God!
However, The Gospel of Luke talks about a different kind of harvest, a spiritual harvest of souls. Jesus uses this metaphor of harvesting crops to represent the work that needs to be done to spread the Gospel message, and bring more people to the one and only true God.
In Luke 10:1 Jesus appoints 70 disciples and send them out two by two to every city He plans to visit. Jesus shows in this verse that spreading the Gospel message is not limited to the 12 Apostles, but is intended for all believers. This is also emphasized in the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
When our Lord used the phrase in Luke 10:2 “The harvest is truly great” symbolizes the countless number of people waiting to hear the Gospel message. Then Jesus points to how few workers there are for such a great harvest. The people expected the Messiah; they were prepared to receive the Gospel message: “But the laborers are few”. All Christians are called to be a witness for Jesus Christ, sharing His message of love and salvation with those we encounter.
Then He directed them, therefore, to “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers”. Praying for more workers should also include seeking God’s guidance and how you should be involved in His work. God is the proprietor of the great harvest of the world; and He can only send believers in to gather it, Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Jesus is urging Christians to be zealous in the task of spreading the Gospel. “The fields are filled with souls waiting for someone to share the love of Christ with them. What a blessing it is to be called to be a laborer in His harvest.” – Billy Graham
If you profess to be a Christian these words should cause you to pause, and examine yourself, and your relationship with God. Are you willing to be a laborer in His harvest?
All Christians should be concerned over the fate of men’s souls. The Word of God clearly describes two eternities: Heaven for the righteous and Hell for the unrighteousness. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Matthew 25:46 “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
As believers of Christ we are called to be His ambassadors and to carry out His mission here on earth, 2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” We have an incredible opportunity to participate in the work of building God’s kingdom and bringing glory to His name. It requires stepping out in faith, trusting in His guidance and direction through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit; to proclaim the message of salvation to all who will listen, 1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”.
Let us actively and prayerfully engage in helping to spread the Gospel message to a lost and dying world!
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