by David Brenneman
It will be really interesting to know of the rrrrrest of the story. Those closing lines of every Paul Harvey segment are indeed perhaps for an earlier generation, but, to this point its about the last verses of the book of John.
I will certainly look forward to knowing all the rest of the things not written concerning Jesus's ministry here on Earth.
We certainly only have a glimpse. But to what end does this have to do with work?
Jesus's ministry was 24/7. He showed us enough to be competent to be workers in His fields, in His harvest. We are to be displaying the character of Christ Jesus to the world.
He showed no partiality in whom He spoke with. He obviously counseled thousands. We only read about a few examples.
The more we grow in Christ, the more competent to do with others we will become.
Even such things as this blog came about from growing in Christ for me.
If indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus...do you see the hallmarks of growing in Christ in you? As I was reading about the parable of the mustard seed this morning...it's proof that it doesn't take much. God does all the behind the scenes heavy lifting.
Be it in relationships within marriage or relationships with friends or acquaintances...the Spirit enables Believers to do the work of Christ Jesus through us. Jesus showed no partiality to those who would come to Him. He cared not who it was...if they were truly seeking Him, He ministered to them. Social status meant nothing. Economic status meant nothing. Even religious status meant nothing.
If indeed we are in Christ Jesus...ought not we be just as impartial? Should we exhibit the compassion of the Good Samaritan rather than the disdain of the priest or the Levite? If God brings someone to you seeking God's help...follow the guidelines of Christ and help. Guidelines? Yes, make sure there is nothing in your eye preventing you from seeing the truth in the one who came to you. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Seek the will of God for that person in Christ. For all Believers its our sanctification. For all Believers it's to do with the workmanship we are in Christ.
Our lives should have us being covered in the dust of our Master, Jesus Christ.
When we do trust in the Lord with all our heart and in all our ways acknowledge Him, He does make our paths straight.
He told the Disciples plainly to beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. That would be you...the workers in His fields, His harvest.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Doesn't say avoid some people. Doesn't say to keep to yourself. Doesn't mean to not speak up just because the situation is not too unfamiliar and we did the same wrong things. There are no exclusions. We are indeed to be prudent and careful. To be 'prayed up' as it were before engaging. Again, the example of Jesus...before He acted, or went, He prayed.
In our here and now...we are to be Jesus to a lost world. In our marriages in our relationships. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, giving Himself up for the Church. If we see a brother or sister in a trespass, we are to not look the other way. We are not to just decide that we aren't going to do or say anything. Jesus would not.
The word of God is what?
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NASB95.
Who searches the hearts?
“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:10 NASB95.
And what are we to use?
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB95
In Christ we are competent to counsel others. We will see the work of God through Jesus Christ at work in us when we submit to His Will.
It can be intimidating...but doesn't have to be. Some people just need pointing to what Jesus has been telling them all along. Some have been missing the point and need some extra encouragement. Some, need rescued from the edge of the cliff. Jesus DID say that through His Church...that the gates of even Hell would not prevail against their onslaught. The work of those in the body of Christ will snatch people from falling into Hell.
Look at your life...look at your Spiritual life that is...are you living your life as Christ loved the Church? Are you living with others as He did? Are you treating others as He treated them?
We can't go through this life wanting the blessings of God without receiving the sufferings of God. We will get our hands dirty. We will have work to do.
Jesus has something for every single Believer to be doing in the body of Christ.
Pray before engaging.
Seeking first the wisdom, the skill, of God needed for what is before you.
Pray during the engagement.
Don't limit God in your requests.
Don't seek the outcome you want, seek the outcome that Jesus would want.
Our deeds done in the body for Jesus are what becomes our legacy. Not our possessions, our money, our personal achievements or even our happiness. Many people have sacrificed much to see even one person either return to Jesus or come to Christ for salvation.
Becoming more like Christ means doing more as Christ would be doing...we may not understand and that's ok. Again, trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
The weapons of our warfare are not what the world uses. We fight on our knees. We are to boldly enter the Throne of God. We seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. As long as a person is breathing, it means that He's not done with them yet.
Pray on, pray over, pray through.
Pray that Jesus uses you in whatever way He sees fit.
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