The Israelites had been following their own way and were suffering. The prophet assured them that God had not forgotten them. God would listen to their cry and would be merciful and continue to guide them. God would provide rain for their crops, food for their animals, and abundant water.

The Israelites were going through difficult times, but as they turned to God, God would be faithful to the people whom God had chosen and blessed.

Jesus was proclaiming the good news and healing people, for he had compassion on them. Jesus realised that he needed others to continue his ministry. He asked the disciples to pray for more labourers.

Then Jesus empowered the disciples and sent them to proclaim the good news and to heal. They were to do all of this for the Israelites without receiving any payment. It is very enlightening to note that Jesus asked the disciples to pray for more labourers before sending them.

It is a lesson for us as we often ask the Lord for something and then realise God is sending us to do the work!