THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:32-37
“If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” (Mark 13:36)
We are Jesus’ servants, saved and graced to continue His work of salvation.
Here Jesus reminds His followers that He will come back to see how we did.
People usually sleep when the boss is away, and are busy when he’s watching.
But when Jesus returns, it will be too late to look busy.
In that unexpected moment, our work records will be revealed.
But are we not saved by grace, why then are we judged by our works?
We will not be judged for what we did in our own strength.
But we will be judged for what we did with the grace He gives us.
By His Spirit He is daily prompting us to share His grace, to bless others.
Every day we choose to resist or cooperate with His grace at work in us.
To resist His grace is to reject salvation, and to return to our sinful lives.
Jesus urges us to “work out our salvation”, not “work for it” (Philippians 2:12).
Today the Lord is challenging me to be busy about His work, ready for His return!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are my employer, and I have been given everything I need to succeed. You’ve graced me to grace others, may I do so eagerly and faithfully.
The Lord will return.
In the mean time . . .
I need to be busy working in His Kingdom until He comes or until He takes me away.
Somewhere I remember a story about Luther who was asked the question
‘What will you be doing if you knew the Lord was returning now?’
His response was that he would be working in the orchard.
All we do is for Jesus.
Each day we live for Him.
He is never absent and He sees all our moves.
So this day I need to live for Him in all I say and do. Also tomorrow and the day after. Serving my Master at all times.
1 It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart;
He’ll always be with us, if we do our part;
There’s naught in this wide world can pleasure afford,
There’s peace and contentment in serving the Lord.
Refrain:
I love Him far better than in days of yore,
I’ll serve Him more truly than ever before;
I’ll do as He bids me, whatever the cost,
I’ll be a true soldier — I’ll die at my post.
2 And oft when I’m tempted to turn from the track,
I think of my Savior — my mind wanders back
To the place where they nailed Him on Calvary’s tree—
I hear a voice saying, I suffered for thee. [Refrain]
3 There’s a place that remembrance still brings back to me,
’Twas there I found pardon — ’twas Heaven to me;
There Jesus spoke sweetly to my weary soul,
My sins were forgiven, He made my heart whole. [Refrain]
4 How rich is the blessing the world cannot give,
I’m satisfied fully tor Jesus to live;
Tho’ friends may forsake me, and trials arise,
I’m trusting in Jesus, His love never dies. [Refrain]