“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”
John 17:4
If we want to have the joy that Jesus had, we need to live like Jesus lived. This was His approach to the work the Father gave Him to do:
Jesus began early
The sluggard was slow to start but at the age of twelve, Jesus was in the temple (Lk. 2:49). He gave Himself to the Father’s business, and He did it out of love for the Father and out of love for us.
Is there something you’ve been putting off? Are you aware of your need to get right with God and seek the new life Jesus offers? C. S. Lewis says that the devil has many ways of ruining souls, and his most effective way is to make people think that they have plenty of time. But the Bible says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart!” (Heb. 3:15).
Jesus stayed focused
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (Jn. 9:4). Where in your life do you need to stay focused and to persevere? Jesus set his face like a flint to go to Jerusalem. When you are discouraged, do not be distracted from doing the will of the Father no matter how costly it may be.
Jesus completed His work
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do (John 17:4). Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and He has done it. Everything that is needed to bring you from where you are to the eternal joy of heaven has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus entered His rest
Right now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father where He is ready to save all who look to Him in repentance and faith. May it be that each of us becomes like Him.
Is there something God is prompting you to do? Start early, stay focused, and persevere until you enter His rest.
