The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in John 4:34,
"'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'"
What is God's will?
Jesus told his disciples that he was to do the will of the one who sent him, and to finish his work. The Father sent his Son into the world to accomplish some very specific things, and as Jesus pursued those things he was finishing his Father's work. The work? The work was to accomplish the redemption of mankind. To provide a way for all who are willing - to have sins forgiven and a place in God's kingdom, eternal life.
Specifically, Jesus' earthly ministry was an ordered plan with a timeline as we learn in John's gospel. Jesus' time here was not guided by happenstance or coincidence, but, as I say, it was an ordered affair. He was to establish his bonafides as the Son of God through miracles and fulfillment of prophecy, teach through instruction as well as example, challenge the existing religious authorities and misguided notions of the purpose of the law, and finally, offer himself as a sacrifice of atonement on that miserable cross.
The result of the work was to provide an environment for faith to express itself in the hearts of those who are willing. Consequently, the work of the Lord was measured and precise. When Jesus ascended to heaven did not leave behind so much that anyone and everyone on planet earth would be absolutely convinced of his work, but he did leave enough for those who want him, who desire him, to place a reasonable faith in him.
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry set in motion the birth of the church on Pentecost and began the great command to evangelize the world. This was the will of the Father that Jesus was sent to do. And, he performed it magnificently!
We are to know God's will. Paul prayed for believers to know God's will, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12.
"'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'"
What is God's will?
Jesus told his disciples that he was to do the will of the one who sent him, and to finish his work. The Father sent his Son into the world to accomplish some very specific things, and as Jesus pursued those things he was finishing his Father's work. The work? The work was to accomplish the redemption of mankind. To provide a way for all who are willing - to have sins forgiven and a place in God's kingdom, eternal life.
Specifically, Jesus' earthly ministry was an ordered plan with a timeline as we learn in John's gospel. Jesus' time here was not guided by happenstance or coincidence, but, as I say, it was an ordered affair. He was to establish his bonafides as the Son of God through miracles and fulfillment of prophecy, teach through instruction as well as example, challenge the existing religious authorities and misguided notions of the purpose of the law, and finally, offer himself as a sacrifice of atonement on that miserable cross.
The result of the work was to provide an environment for faith to express itself in the hearts of those who are willing. Consequently, the work of the Lord was measured and precise. When Jesus ascended to heaven did not leave behind so much that anyone and everyone on planet earth would be absolutely convinced of his work, but he did leave enough for those who want him, who desire him, to place a reasonable faith in him.
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry set in motion the birth of the church on Pentecost and began the great command to evangelize the world. This was the will of the Father that Jesus was sent to do. And, he performed it magnificently!
We are to know God's will. Paul prayed for believers to know God's will, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12.
Knowing God's will is life transforming!
As people discuss God's will these days, at times I feel too little is in view. Many have a myopic perspective of the will of God: "Should I buy the red Ford or the Green Chevy? Well, have you sought God's will on it?"
The will of God is grand! The will of God is lofty! The will of God is epic! It is magnificent and majestic! The will of God seizes upon God-sized things!
Paul prays for believers to know God's will. I propose we discover that in the Scriptures. The gospel of John certainly provides us much to ruminate on.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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