Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 18, 2016
And He [Jesus] said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49, NJKV
At age 19 when I became a Christian, I phoned my father (who was not a Christian) to share my newfound faith. As a pragmatist, he was unimpressed with my “irrelevant religion”. “Son, the church has brainwashed you”, he quipped. Fortunately, there were other father figures in my life, who gave me a clearer picture and understanding of my heavenly Father’s heart. I aspired for my Father’s business to become my business. I’m still a student in God’s business school—as I’m ever learning to adjust to His plan for my life. God’s business is job one for followers of Jesus.
What did Jesus mean as a 12 year old when He said, “I must be about My Father’s business?” His Father’s business included worship with God’s people along with the discussion, understanding and application of God’s Word. Moreover, business success in the world requires a compelling vision, a clear mission and focused discipline to execute and always improve. Our heavenly Father’s vision is to love the world by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus through His bride: the church. Doing business with God leads to God doing business in us.
“So I said, “See, I have come to do Your will, as it is inscribed of me in the scroll. I am pleased to live how You want, my God. Your law is etched into my heart and my soul” (Psalm 40:7-8, The Voice).
The most relevant thing you can do is be about your Father’s business. Others may ask, “Why do you spend time with God and organize your calendar around Christ’s priorities for your life?” Very simply, the Lord owns everything: your life, your work, your family, your relationships, your ministry, your church and your stuff. As a manager in God’s kingdom, you want to handle what’s His in a prayerful, practical and generous manner. Because your heavenly Father owns all you have—you can trust Him with all you have. Your Father’s business never goes bankrupt!
The more sin seeps into the fabric of our society, the more our Father’s business has opportunity to increase its top line growth of truth in Jesus and to expand its bottom line profit in disciples of Jesus. Retirement is not an option for those employed by God in His enterprise to save souls and to teach His followers His full counsel, as defined in the Scriptures. Business with God means other competitors such as money, pleasure and pride need not capture our energy and affection. Christ calls us to boycott the competition and aggressively grow our Father’s business. God is boss.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I desire to be about Your business, so lead me to be a humble servant of Yours.
Application: What priorities do I need to develop, so I can make the Lord’s business my business?
Related Readings: Isaiah 65:23; Matthew 9:38; Romans 16:12; 1 Corinthians 9:1, 16:10
Post/Tweet this today: Business with God means other competitors such as money, pleasure and pride need not capture our energy and affection. #WisdomHunters #businesswithGod
Worship Resource: 7 minute video – Bethel: Nothing Holding Me Back
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