Mercy on the Multitudes

"Jehoshaphat... went out again through the people... and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 19:4).  "When He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.  Then saith He unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:36-38). 

Among the kings that God commended,

Jehoshaphat obtained His favor,

Who on the Lord alone depended

And drew his people to the Savior.

Jehoshaphat could see the need

To bring God's people  back again. 

By God's commission he would lead

And win the hearts of wayward men.

Let this same mercy be detected  

In us as we have sought the Lord,

So we may shine His light reflected,

That multitudes may be restored.

Yet many walk in darkness still

Who have not seen the Gospel's light. 

There is a labor to fulfill

In harvest fields that are white. 

We see our Savior's great compassion

Who called for sinners to repent.  

He bids us pray now in this fashion,

That laborers be  therefore sent. 

We see the workers, Lord, are few,

Yet multitudes are very great

That You are calling now to You

Before their hour is too late. 

Lord, we have heard Your great command

That we, for laborers, should pray,

Yet as we pray, we understand

That we called as well today. 

O Lord, correct our attitudes

To now fulfill Your great commission

With mercy on the multitudes

Who may be rescued from perdition!