We don’t have any information about Jesus’ growing up years except one passage in Luke 2:41-49. When Jesus was twelve, his family had traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. After it was over, they began the long trek home, but when Jesus didn’t show up on the first night, they went back to search for Him. They frantically looked for Him. Finally, they went into the Temple and He was sitting among the teachers listening to them. Mary said to Jesus, “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere” (Luke 2:48). Jesus answered her: “Why did you need to search? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49)? The NKJV translates his verse this way: “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
In other words, Jesus came to do His Father’s business… Whether that was in the Temple learning at twelve years old or out amongst the people ministering and speaking about the Kingdom of God during His public ministry. We have the same call on our lives. Tim Tebow said, “Once you’ve been rescued, you are now on the rescue team.” Hence, once we’ve been brought into God’s family, it’s our responsibility to help God accomplish His work on earth. Does He need our help? No! But does He choose to use us as partners? YES!
Many years ago, I worked through a popular Bible study at the time called, Experiencing God. I remember one principle that stood out to me: Find out where God is at work and join Him in His work. This speaks of two important features for the Christian… we should do God’s work but only where He’s working. So the question becomes… How can I know if He’s at work where I’m serving? Or giving my time? Or ministering? Here are three things that will be evident where God is at work:
God’s Word is held high! I speak about this a lot because it holds great weight in the Church. Many churches put entertainment, numbers, gifts, and heart-felt stories above the Word of God. They are more focused on bringing people in than on teaching the Word of God. The main focus of any church, ministry, or Christian work should be God’s Word.
The Holy Spirit is alive in that place! When my kids were little, Lou and I decided to leave our church and go to another church, albeit, a different denominational church. There were a couple of doctrinal differences I struggled with. One day as I was voicing my concern with the Lord about this… I heard Him quietly ask me: “Sheryl, do you see My Spirit at work in this place?” I had to say YES, ABSOLUTELY. That was enough for me. When the Holy Spirit is active in a work of God, then you will see a lot of the fruit of the Spirit… a love among the people, a joy-filled atmosphere, kindness and generosity. But if there’s a lot of discord, arguing, division, and gossip, we can be assured that this may not be a place where the Holy Spirit is moving.
Peoples’ lives are being changed! Wherever the Lord is working, people will be changing. People will be delivered from addiction, growing in faith, and applying God’s Word to their life. They will have a desire to learn more.
So, here’s the thing… if you have breath and you’re still here on this earth, then you should still be partnering with God in His work. Even if you are homebound, you can still witness to truth. Your partnership with God may not be in a local church (Solid Truth Ministries is a para-church ministry), but God has called you to partner with Him.
On a side note: Every believer (if they can get out) should go to church. Online church is not the same thing. Let this inspire you today.