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Scripture for the day: Luke 2:48-49 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Thought for the day: Those working in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, were commissioned to do their work when they reached age 20 and forcibly retired at age 50. Most of us in America would say, “Not a bad gig, if you can get it,” and we would forge ahead, counting the years, the months, the weeks and, finally, the days until we could retire and do whatever we want. It’s part of the American dream, is it not? Retirement and self-indulgence go hand in hand, and why not? We’ve worked hard for more years than we’d like to count and by the time retirement is finally available, we’ve convinced ourselves of the fact that we’ve earned the leisure time (and I say this as one who a member of the retired ranks). But what does the Bible say?
The concept of work began, of all places, in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:15 tells us that Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden so they could take care of it. Later, when Jesus was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He said, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” (Matthew 4:10) In another place He told His disciples, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 4:9). And Paul said, concerning those who desired to outfit themselves with white robes and sit on hill-tops awaiting the return of the King while expecting others to provide whatever they might need to make the wait more tolerable, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). And he told the Corinthians, “We are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Paul, when he went on his church planting tours, did two things in whatever city he happened to enter. First, he went to wherever the Jews were gathering. If there was a synagogue, he went there at the first opportunity and fulfilled his first calling; to offer redemption to the children of Israel. Second, he got a job so that he wouldn’t be a burden to those whom he served.
As a member of the retired crowd, I must admit that not having a particular agenda or set number of hours in which I must be “at work” feels good, particularly when someone needs a bit of assistance and I can help them out, knowing that I’m not robbing someone else of needed attention or doing damage to my business, whatever that may be. Paul told the Corinthians, “We are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). He reminded the Thessalonians of how they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9). All these examples indicate ongoing labor in the Kingdom of God; none point to that time when the disciples could set aside their calling and retire to the country. Oh, and by the way, we needn’t think that retirement comes with the return of the Messiah for His people. We read in Revelation concerning those who have come out of the great tribulation, “they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple” (Revelation 7:15).
Listen, I know a lady who is in her early 90’s and, if anyone can, has the right to claim retirement. This past year she began a Bible study for some friends, aiming to provide them with a good foundation in the things of God. She has also begun a study on the names of God for her own enlightenment. I guess I’ll quit when she does. What am I doing? Well, I can’t tell you right now but there are things in the works. I’ll let you know when the Lord places me where He wants me for the future.
Now go take on your world. - Bill