E. W. Bullinger in his book Number In Scripture, made an observation
I found to be
quite interesting. He pointed out that the first recorded words
of Jesus were, “And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know
that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) Then he stated that
Jesus’ last words were, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
I find it to be very
interesting, that from the first recorded moment of His life He was about the
Father’s business. During His ministry as a grown man, He said, “I must work
the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one
can work.” (John 9:4) Then, as he died on the cross He says, “It is finished.”
While thinking about this, I
realize this is something most of us realized all along, but have we actually
given it a lot of thought?
Jesus said another time. “This
is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should
lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. “And this is the will of
Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have
everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40)
From beginning to end Jesus
was about His Father’s business. We can tell while reading the Scriptures that
there were times He was very tired and He would try to rest. However, His rests
were often short-lived.
Jesus gave 100% of Himself to
obtain and secure salvation for any who will come to Him by simple childlike
faith to be saved. Even now, in Heaven, He holds us secure in one hand and
holds out the other for those who will believe.
How many of us can say we
have put forth a portion of that effort in following Him daily? Day after day,
without fail, He worked the Father’s work for us. Our gratitude alone should
inspire us to be more diligent in living for Him.
Even though no Christian will
ever match the effort Jesus put forth for us, many have dedicated their lives
to follow Jesus and it has shown in what they left behind. I am reminded of Paul
for example. At the end of his life, just before he died and went on to be with
the Lord, he wrote his protégé Timothy these words.
“For I am already being
poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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)
How many of us will be able
to say from our deathbed, to those we know and love, words similar to those
spoken by Paul to Timothy? Many down through the ages have done so. Others
today will do so. I guess we need to ask, “What about me?”
For those of us who are
saved, our gratitude alone for what Jesus has provided should be the
inspiration that invigorates us each day to serve Him. I know some say, “But
I’m not a pastor or missionary. What can I do?” Please read the following
passage; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Do what you are called to do. That is all He
asks.
Jesus’ first recorded
statement in the Scriptures and His last recorded statement in the Scriptures
are like bookends that tell the story of His life. He began His life doing the
Father’s will. He lived His life doing the Father’s will. He died doing the
Father’s will. What will the bookends of our life tell about us?
Grant Phillips
Email: grantphillips@windstream.net
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html
