Tuesday, May 7, 2013

His Bigger Work & Purpose



Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are  over all His works.”

Pastor JJ, continuing his “Who owns you? Sermon series had this opening statement: We live a life that is only possible by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, in our place for our sins by the grace of God - the redeemed, reconciled, and restored Christian life. The Creator of heaven and earth loved us, even though we were sinners, that He sent His only Son (the Christ) to die as an atonement for us. Jesus' body broken us and His blood shed for us. And in doing so, God has called us into His work here, led by the Spirit to proclaim this gospel of salvation to the world, for His glory. As godlessness and lawlessness reveal a corrupt and dying culture, godliness and living by God’s laws in the Bible reveal the light of hope of the kingdom culture. A culture that doesn’t look to “an outside agent” for everything, but looks to “The Outside Agent” for everything.

Psalm 8:4 asks, “What is man that You Lord are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?”

In John 5:1-9, Jesus healed a man at the Pool of Bethesda. The pool had healing power when it was stirred up by an angel, but being in a condition for 38 years that didn’t allow him to enter the water needed help. Jesus doesn’t help the man into the water, nor takes some of the water and pours it on the man, because the man didn’t need an outside agent when “The Outside Agent” was standing in front of him. Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked (v.8&9). Jesus sets an example for us that is the bigger reality of what God is doing in the world. Don’t focus on the healing, but on the Law of God that makes us blind, because the physical points to the spiritual. We have “one hope”, which is “The Hope” – the Law-giver.

John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

This verse is talking about our work ethic, because it speaks to the connection to the Father. God didn’t take a vacation years ago and been gone for a while. God is always at work in the world and has been working until today, and will tomorrow also. Jesus rested, prayed and worked hard as unto God. This, too, Jesus sets an example for us. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.In our godly work ethic, we are sowing the “ground work” toward reaping a blessing.

Galatians 6:7-10Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

We are not designed or created for the “good” life (by this world’s standards), but for the “God” life. Life is good when lived out by God’s standards and work is a “good gift” from God. The tempting “easy life” provided by relying on technology can and does fool us into a poor work ethic. But, know that laziness is a curse. How do we look at life and a work ethic for the Lord? He calls us all into “His work” for the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven as our purpose (Matthew 28:19-20). Society works better, families work better, and we work better when our work is done as unto God. Get busy and never tire of doing that which is “right” in the eyes of the Lord. Make the best out of your work as a good employee and a good servant of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Idle busybodies engage in activities that do not do anything productive, but provide something to fill up time. Some say, “Jesus is coming back soon, so why work?” None of that nonsense! If God has given us the breath of life, then we need to work hard to accomplish the works of God and His church in the world. Be encouraged not to give up and continue to do good. We are not busy for busy sake, but to accomplish what God wants in our life. This is His bigger work and purpose. Is it ours?

Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

In Christ, Brian

3 comments:

Alice said...

We are co workers with Christ to bring light into the world.

I like that idea.

Brian Ray Todd said...

Co-workers with Jesus in the work of CEO God ... and our company is "the kingdom of Heaven" with our product of "the light of salvation" and our service of "restoring relationships to our Maker and changing eternal addresses, while recruiting new employees. Ma, you always inspire us with your godly imagination as a metaphore for heavenly truths. Youa re such a great blessing. God bless you dear sister. Keep up the "good" work!

child of God said...

Hi Brian,
Death comes, in some cases, quickly, in the blinking of an eye. One moment you are alive and the next moment gone from this earth.

Jesus' rapture of the church will be in the blinking of an eye. One moment believers will be here and the next moment gone into glory to be with Jesus. I want the Lord to find me active for Him, not lazy or lost in hopelessness. When the Lord raptures His church I want to be either praying, reading His Word or witnessing to someone about Him.

Blessings brother,
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