04-17-2019, 01:48 PM
THE LIVING WATER
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
TOPIC: WORK AND REDEMPTION
Read Genesis 3:17-19
MEMORISE: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
EXPOSITION
In Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve sinned. Their actions have disastrous consequences that stretch all the way to modern workplace. As a result of their sins, we read in Genesis 3: 'Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you' (Gen. 3:17b-18a). Sin alienated man from God. Work became more difficult and liable to failure and unintended consequences. Work was not inherently a curse, but the curse affects our works.
Although the ground is “cursed,” the people are not, for God is not abandoning humanity. In fact, God continues to provide for Adam and Eve, even to the point of sewing cloths for them when they lack the skill themselves (Gen. 3:21). Despite the curse, the work commissioned in Genesis 1 and 2 continues. There is still ground to be tilled and wonders of nature to be studied, described and named. Men and women must still be fruitful, must still multiply, and govern.
But now, a second layer of work must also be accomplished-that of healing and repairing things that go wrong, and evils that are committed. In a world of sin and sadness, many jobs echo God’s redemption: Scientists and salespersons help people overcome various difficulties by providing products to make life easier and healthier. Law enforcement officers and parents provide safety in the midst of chaos. Accountants and repayment fix broken ledgers, appliances and technology.
These and other roles project hope for the coming restoration (Rev. 21:1). One day, brokenness will be gone; pain will be no more. But until that day, even the most frustrating jobs can be means by which we carry out the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). We can reflect Jesus’ finished work in our own lives as we display God’s characteristics to the world and work to redeem areas of brokenness. So, go out and do that job of yours as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23). You are already doing the work of reconciliation.
PRAYER POINTS
1. God, help us in everyday moments, to shine forth Your image, character and attributes through our works.
2. Lord, show us where we can display Your gospel’s work by reconciling areas of brokenness in our jobs.
3. Lord, rekindle the fire of evangelism in our churches as of old.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 9:30 – 11:18; Luke 12:28 – 12:39
GOOD MORNING AND DO HAVE A BLESSED MIDWEEK.
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK VERY SOON, BE READY
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
TOPIC: WORK AND REDEMPTION
Read Genesis 3:17-19
MEMORISE: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
EXPOSITION
In Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve sinned. Their actions have disastrous consequences that stretch all the way to modern workplace. As a result of their sins, we read in Genesis 3: 'Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you' (Gen. 3:17b-18a). Sin alienated man from God. Work became more difficult and liable to failure and unintended consequences. Work was not inherently a curse, but the curse affects our works.
Although the ground is “cursed,” the people are not, for God is not abandoning humanity. In fact, God continues to provide for Adam and Eve, even to the point of sewing cloths for them when they lack the skill themselves (Gen. 3:21). Despite the curse, the work commissioned in Genesis 1 and 2 continues. There is still ground to be tilled and wonders of nature to be studied, described and named. Men and women must still be fruitful, must still multiply, and govern.
But now, a second layer of work must also be accomplished-that of healing and repairing things that go wrong, and evils that are committed. In a world of sin and sadness, many jobs echo God’s redemption: Scientists and salespersons help people overcome various difficulties by providing products to make life easier and healthier. Law enforcement officers and parents provide safety in the midst of chaos. Accountants and repayment fix broken ledgers, appliances and technology.
These and other roles project hope for the coming restoration (Rev. 21:1). One day, brokenness will be gone; pain will be no more. But until that day, even the most frustrating jobs can be means by which we carry out the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). We can reflect Jesus’ finished work in our own lives as we display God’s characteristics to the world and work to redeem areas of brokenness. So, go out and do that job of yours as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23). You are already doing the work of reconciliation.
PRAYER POINTS
1. God, help us in everyday moments, to shine forth Your image, character and attributes through our works.
2. Lord, show us where we can display Your gospel’s work by reconciling areas of brokenness in our jobs.
3. Lord, rekindle the fire of evangelism in our churches as of old.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 9:30 – 11:18; Luke 12:28 – 12:39
GOOD MORNING AND DO HAVE A BLESSED MIDWEEK.
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK VERY SOON, BE READY