Since He is Risen
Always abounding in the work of the Lord… 1 Corinthians 15:58
We sometimes hear retired people complain that too many demands are made on their time. Their days end up being busier than they had hoped. But others say that they have too little to do. They had been looking forward to leisurely days without the pressures of work, only to find that having day after day without much to do is unsatisfying. Work is a blessing, for God designed us to be active, to use our minds and bodies, according to the strength and ability that He gives to each individual.
Here it is not just work in general that the apostle Paul encourages but “the work of the Lord.” All whom God in His grace has blessed with saving faith in Jesus Christ have work to do for Him. This is so because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. He has freed us from our sins and from the death and condemnation that we deserved because of our sins. He has given us new life, new strength and power that can be used to serve Him. He has given us the resurrection Gospel to give to the lost and dying in the world. He has given us the certain hope of everlasting life that we can share with fellow believers, building up one another as we hear God’s Word, pray, and sing together.
Paul encourages us not only to do this work but to abound in it. Our part in spreading the saving Gospel is important work that is worthy of our time and effort; not to be done half-heartedly but with zeal and joy. The work of the Lord is ongoing, to be carried on “always,” in youth and in old age, in pleasant times and in hard times.
Lord Jesus, give us strength and joy to work for You, spreading the hope and strength that we have from Your victory over death. Amen