But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” John 5:17
Work is something most people are expected to do in order to provide for themselves in this world. Many people see it as a necessary evil, rather than something good, wishing that they did not have to work. Those who don’t work at all are often looked down upon as being lazy and trying to get something for nothing. There are purposes to working that often go well beyond just the individual.
John records that some Jews were upset with Jesus for doing something on the Sabbath day. Jesus told them that His Father has been working and so He is also working.
While most people work, very few actually enjoy it. They complain about it and look only forward to the weekends or days off. People would rather be home, out on a lake or just about anything else, as long as it is not work. Then they look down upon those who enjoy their work.
These same types of attitudes occur inside the church. People go to church all the time to receive something, but many do not like to work and give of their time and strength. They then try to find every excuse available to not work.
God is always working at reaching the lost. In the process, He is caring for people and maintaining life on this planet. Day and night, God does not stop working.
Believers need to be like God is being willing to keep working as long as God is working. No matter where one goes, there is always someone who needs to hear about Jesus or someone who needs healing or help.
Instead of choosing to play or sit back and do nothing, the believer should be working and doing what God is doing to reach the lost.
You are expected to do some physical work in this world to make it, whether it is for pay or not. God has the same requirements upon you. He is at work in this world and is calling you to do a work for Him at building His kingdom. There is no day off to stop building His kingdom.
Seek God to know and understand what work you can do to build His kingdom. As long as God is working and you are on this earth, keep working.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will see God at work in and around your life; that God will show you what work He has for you to do; and that you will rely upon God’s strength to keep working at building His kingdom.
Photo by Arron Choi on Unsplash
Leave a Reply