DOING GOD’S WORK
As Jesus rode in that triumphant, spontaneous parade on what we
now call Palm Sunday, he knew what was to come. When he told his
followers where to find a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem, he
knew he was setting in motion events that soon would lead to the
excruciating pain of the cross. And beyond that, the magnificent
resurrection that would begin the new world.
Like a carpenter entering the shop at the beginning of the day,
knowing what chores he needed to finish before quitting time, Jesus
knew he had things to do and only a certain amount of time to do
them.
Once, Jesus came across a man who was blind. His disciples
assumed the blindness had been caused by the man’s sins or his
parents’ sins. Neither, Jesus said, “This happened so that the work
of God might be displayed in his life.” So, while Jesus --- the
Light of the world --- was on earth, there was work to be done for
his Father, he said. With that, he spit on the ground, made a little
bit of mud and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. He ordered the man to
wash the mud away; when the man did, he was able to see. By then,
Jesus had moved on. He had more work to do to glorify God’s name.
All Jesus did, he did with purpose. Whether it was talking to
Zaccheus, turning water into wine or riding into Jerusalem, he did
it knowing why he needed to do it. He did his work. And we, the
people who benefited from his great sacrifice, have our work to do.
We are to believe, to follow his teachings and to spread the Light.
Don’t delay -- we also have limited time.
Get busy.
Precious Lord, help us to do your work while we can, and in every
way we can. As we begin the great events of Holy Week, move us to be
filled with your spirit and with the glory of the sacrifice of your
Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen
Ken Hobart
