Greater Harvest Series

Greater Harvest Part 1: The Empty Field

Introduction

As we dive into the new series “Greater Harvest,” we explore the spiritual meaning of the harvest fields, specifically evangelism. The focus is on how we can be equipped to proclaim God’s Word and reach the spiritually dry areas around us. Today, we begin with The Empty Field—a powerful metaphor for places, people, and situations in need of life, renewal, and the message of Christ.

Ezekiel’s Vision of Dry Bones

Our foundational scripture comes from Ezekiel 37:1-10 (ESV), where the prophet is taken by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with dry bones. God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” It’s a difficult question, considering the bleak and lifeless scene before him. Yet, Ezekiel responds wisely: “O Lord God, you know.” God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he obeys, an incredible transformation takes place—the bones come together, muscle and flesh form, and eventually, life is breathed into them. These bones become a vast army, standing tall and full of life.

This passage is a powerful reminder that even in the most hopeless situations, God can bring life. The dry bones represent more than just literal death; they symbolize people who are spiritually dead, disconnected from God, and in need of resurrection through the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Four Fields of Evangelism

Throughout this series, we’ll explore the concept of the Four Fields in evangelism:

1. The Empty Field – Represents places or people who have not yet heard the Gospel.

2. The Seeded Field – Where the Word has been shared, but the growth process is just beginning.

3. The Growing/Sprouted Field – Areas where spiritual growth and discipleship are taking place.

4. The Harvest Field – Where people are coming to Christ, and the harvest is ready.

Today, we’re focusing on the Empty Field. Like the valley of dry bones, the empty field is lifeless until someone plants seeds of faith. Evangelism is the act of speaking life into this empty field, trusting that God will bring growth and transformation.

Speaking Life Into Dry Bones

Ezekiel’s experience is a lesson for us in faith and obedience. When God asks, “Can these bones live?” He is also asking us: Do you believe in My power to revive the dead areas in your life, your community, or your world? Our role is to speak life—to prophesy to these bones—whether they are people who are spiritually dead, hopeless situations, or challenges that seem insurmountable.

We might feel like Ezekiel, standing in front of a field of dry bones, wondering if change is possible. But God reminds us that when we proclaim His Word, miracles happen. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17 NKJV). Sharing the good news with those around us is like Ezekiel prophesying to the bones—faith is ignited, and life begins to take root.

The Power of the Word and the Spirit

While sharing the Gospel is essential, it’s also crucial to remember that it’s the Holy Spirit who brings true life. The Word must be proclaimed, but without the Spirit’s breath, there is no real transformation. Jesus explains in John 3 that we must be born again, a process only possible through the Spirit.

We can speak the Word, but we must also call upon the Spirit to breathe life into those who hear it. Just as Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the breath, we must continually seek the Holy Spirit to move in our lives and in the lives of others.

Prophesying to Your Empty Field

God has placed us in fields—whether they are our workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, or even our homes—where He wants us to speak life. These places may feel dry, barren, or lifeless, but like Ezekiel, we are called to prophesy and trust that God can bring life where there seems to be none.

We are all surrounded by “dry bones” in some form. It could be a co-worker who needs hope, a family member who hasn’t yet encountered Jesus, or even a broader community that seems far from God. Whatever the case may be, the principle is the same: speak life, proclaim the truth, and let the Holy Spirit breathe life into those areas.

Evangelism: The Great Commission

Evangelism, at its core, means sharing the good news. In fact, the word “evangelism” comes from the Greek word that means messenger of good news. The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds was an evangelist in that moment—sharing the greatest news of all time: the coming of the Savior.

The command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) is just as impossible for us as it was for Ezekiel to bring dry bones back to life. But God doesn’t call us to do the impossible alone. He asks us to go, speak, and share, while He provides the power and the life-giving breath of His Spirit.

What’s Your Vision?

As Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” So, what is your vision? Are you willing to look at the empty field around you—the dry bones of this world—and believe that God can breathe life into them? God’s vision for your life will always be aligned with His mission to bring the good news to the lost.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

God is asking us the same question He asked Ezekiel: Can these bones live? Can your neighbor, co-worker, or even your family member come to life in Christ? Can your community experience revival? The answer lies in our obedience to prophesy, speak life, and trust in the Holy Spirit to move.

Let’s answer the call today by saying, “O Lord God, you know,” and then stepping out in faith to proclaim His Word to the dry bones around us.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Let’s get ready for a greater harvest.

By focusing on the empty field today, we prepare our hearts to see beyond the lifeless bones and believe in the transformative power of God. Stay tuned for the next part of the series as we explore the Seeded Field and what it means to plant seeds of faith in those around us.