Doing Our Part in God's Work - Ezra 3-5 and John 20
It seems that many people want to receive the blessings that result from what God has done for them, but they do not want to do what He wants them to do. This is very a very selfish attitude, and God can't bless that type of attitude. Instead, we should be grateful for what He has done for us, and then, gladly volunteer to do whatever He wants us to do.
The book of Ezra gives a great picture of this truth. God had worked in Cyrus' heart to send them back to the land and to provide the resources to rebuild the Temple. These were things that no human could have done. Now, it was up to the people to do the actual work of building. It is wonderful to read about how they came together in unity, and they began to faithfully obey God's Word by beginning the sacrifices. They did everything with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, as they began to build the Temple. That is how God wants us to do it. Then, they ran into trouble. I am afraid that Satan always tries to stop God's work, so when we do our part, we must expect trouble. However, God is still there for us as He was with them to help us overcome any obstacles to doing His work. Isn't it amazing to consider that the Maker of heaven and earth uses us to do His work? What a privilege and an honor for us!
John 20 tells us how Jesus rose from the dead. He had died on the cross for our redemption. Then, He arose on the third day. He had done the work of God to provide the atonement for our sins. That was something no human could do. Then, He met with His disciples, and He sent them out to work as the Father had sent Him. They were to do their part of God's work. He gave them peace. He breathed on them the Holy Spirit, so they would have His power even before the indwelling came at Pentecost. He prepared them for the work, and He promised to be with them. However, they had to trust Him and do the work. Many are like Thomas. It takes an extra effort for them to cease doubting and do God's work by faith. The fact is, though, there is something for each believer to do. Are you joining God in His work? Are you going in praise, thanksgiving, and peace to do His work? Are you experiencing trouble because you are doing His work? All of these things are part of the Christian life. If we are not doing our part of the work, we are not really living the life He has for us, so we can't experience the blessings He has for us. I pray that each of us will say to Jesus, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 6-8 and John 21.
The book of Ezra gives a great picture of this truth. God had worked in Cyrus' heart to send them back to the land and to provide the resources to rebuild the Temple. These were things that no human could have done. Now, it was up to the people to do the actual work of building. It is wonderful to read about how they came together in unity, and they began to faithfully obey God's Word by beginning the sacrifices. They did everything with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, as they began to build the Temple. That is how God wants us to do it. Then, they ran into trouble. I am afraid that Satan always tries to stop God's work, so when we do our part, we must expect trouble. However, God is still there for us as He was with them to help us overcome any obstacles to doing His work. Isn't it amazing to consider that the Maker of heaven and earth uses us to do His work? What a privilege and an honor for us!
John 20 tells us how Jesus rose from the dead. He had died on the cross for our redemption. Then, He arose on the third day. He had done the work of God to provide the atonement for our sins. That was something no human could do. Then, He met with His disciples, and He sent them out to work as the Father had sent Him. They were to do their part of God's work. He gave them peace. He breathed on them the Holy Spirit, so they would have His power even before the indwelling came at Pentecost. He prepared them for the work, and He promised to be with them. However, they had to trust Him and do the work. Many are like Thomas. It takes an extra effort for them to cease doubting and do God's work by faith. The fact is, though, there is something for each believer to do. Are you joining God in His work? Are you going in praise, thanksgiving, and peace to do His work? Are you experiencing trouble because you are doing His work? All of these things are part of the Christian life. If we are not doing our part of the work, we are not really living the life He has for us, so we can't experience the blessings He has for us. I pray that each of us will say to Jesus, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 6-8 and John 21.