Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. 36No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.…
(Mathew 24:35-37)
Hey Friend,
I don't know about you, but I have had some serious thoughts about us being in the end times. Scholars will say that first this, then that, and finally this must happen before Jesus returns in glory, but the truth of the matter is, no one knows the day or the hour that Christ will return, triumphantly, to take His people home. Not even Jesus knows - only God.
I do know this much about God, He is a God of mystery and just when I think I know what's going on, He impresses upon me that I will never be able to fully wrap my brain around His ways. That's why He is God and I am not.
One thing I DO know is that when the Lord returns, I want to be about His business.
Luke 12 tells a story of the Master who goes away and leaves the manager in charge of His servants. The manager's job is to give the servants their portion at the proper time. He's been given His marching orders by the Master.
3Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he returns. 44Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.… (Luke 12:43-44)
So what exactly does it look like to be about the Master's business? Consider these aspects:
An earthly son or daughter doesn't usually step into the father's business without first being an apprentice. Apprenticing involves, learning, training, and preparation. He/She gains knowledge of the business from the ground floor on up.
Likewise, we need to become apprentices to our Heavenly Father. We need to be in His word - gaining knowledge about His kingdom, learning His precepts forward and backward, and living out His Word in real life situations. We spend time with Him allowing Him to instruct us. We literally learn how to walk in our Father's footsteps.
Just as we may encounter pain and difficulty from trial and error that comes with learning an earthly business, we, as spiritual apprentices to the Lord, will undoubtedly endure pain and suffering. As heirs to the throne we are called to participate in the suffering of Christ.
Paul, in the Bible, says, Yes, and all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
Eight years ago, God called me to start a Christian school for orphans and impoverished children in the enemy's backyard in the Middle East (http://redeemerinc.org). I don't think I had any idea what would be in store for me as I began to be about my Father's business.
We tend to believe that if we are accomplishing God's will and doing His work, then all will go well for us - how very far from the truth. You might as well have painted a giant red target on my back when I stepped in to do my Father's work. The enemy came after me with a vengeance and has done so, in a myriad of ways, for eight years. Certainly, there have been times of extreme joy, satisfaction, and blessing, but I have also suffered tremendously in ways I never would have thought possible.
Our commitment and devotion to God is evidenced in how we serve others. Our efforts don't have to be grandiose in scale. It could be as simple as becoming a pen pal with an elderly person in nursing care that can't have visitors due to COVID-19. Whatever we endeavor upon, there will be spiritual forces in the universe working against us. We don't have to fear, however, because no temptation can overtake us without their being a way of escape provided.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The best news is that there is a reward for those who are about the Father's business on the day of His return. We are promised an inheritance which is eternal life. And, he who is faithful with what is entrusted to him here on earth will be givine even more responsibility in the life that is to come.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
So for all of us who are waiting on that glorious day, keep fighting the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith, and be about the Father's business since we do not know the minute or the hour in which He will return.
Dear Heavenly Father, Be with me Lord in these turbulent and uncertain times. Help me to trust that you are sovereign and You are ultimately in control. Give me courage to be about your business - serving others and pouring out your love, like water, to a parched and thirsty world. Let it be my honor to suffer as Christ has suffered for me and keep me from all temptation. I praise you that you have promised that if I am faithful with the work you give me here on earth, that you will give me that much more responsibility in heaven. Let me spend time in your presence - learning and practicing your precepts. Let me be about Your business so that I am at the ready upon your return. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
What about you...are you about your Father's business? Are you enduring the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this world to accomplish His will in your life? What are some practical ways you can serve others? Do you feel like we are in the end times? What gives you hope? Will you share?
Be blessed...
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