Despair – Called To Work

Go, Go, Go!

January 10, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Image by Gerd Altmann / Pixabay . Used with Permission.

Hebrews 12:1-2a (KJV) “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

COMMENTARY: In 1 Corinthians 14:3, God gives us three reasons why He gives messages to His people: comfort, edification and exhortation:

(1) For those who are down, He comforts them as they recover.

(2) For those who are have recovered, He encourages them to stand up.

(3) For those who are standing, He exhorts them to move forward.

In this passage of Hebrews 12, the Lord gives us a mega-dose of all three! Imagine the sky around you as one huge, 360-degree, panoramic mega-stadium. Now picture a throng of God’s angels and called-home saints in that stadium CHEERING YOU ON TO VICTORY! Jesus knows when your life in this world is over, He’ll be waiting at your finish line to welcome you into Glory!

APPLICATION: As Christians in the workplace, we can feel lonely, isolated, rejected, misunderstood and resented. During those times when pangs of despair, confusion, hurt, discouragement and exhaustion penetrate your mind, heart and soul, remember that you’re not alone. There’s a great cloud of witnesses rooting for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They never stop, even when you’re asleep!

Not only that: there are also many saints alive in the world today who are rooting for you, praying for you, ready and willing to help you to persevere. Believe it! Claim it! It’s true! Always remember that we are on the Winning Team!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Revelation 22:12 (KJV)，read Babylon and the New Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities (Revelation 17-22) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Festive but Fickle

Devotions/Partners

Image by mohamed Hassan / Pixabay . Used with Permission.

Matthew 21:9 & 26:55 (KJV) “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID: BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.” “In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.”

COMMENTARY: There’s an air of excitement and electricity marching in a parade, as you go by spectators and perform in front of the reviewing stand. Imagine Jesus riding into Jerusalem in a parade-like atmosphere. Multitudes of people are lining the route, emotions and enthusiasm are running at peak levels, and Jesus is being celebrated as the hero of the day. But alas, just a few days later, the atmosphere in the city changes dramatically. Instead of palms, the multitudes now approach Jesus with weapons to arrest Him. Instead of being the “hero,” Jesus is now the “goat.” Jesus is amazed by the fickleness of the people.

APPLICATION: In the workplace, do you enjoy being the hero? The go-to person who takes the initiative and makes good things happen? Have you ever felt a sense of fulfillment as bosses, co-workers, employees or professional peers applaud your labors and successes? As long as you stay focused on Christ and full of the Holy Spirit, it’s all right to enjoy a few moments basking in the sun. You don’t have to feel guilty enjoying the recognition; look at it as a blessing from the Lord. But look out. Just a few days from now, the atmosphere of your workplace may change dramatically. Instead of cheers, you may receive jeers. Instead of compliments, insults. Instead of encouragement, discouragement.

The word “fickle” means inconstant, unreliable, ruled by whims. The fickleness of people hasn’t changed since Jesus’ days on earth. If the people were fickle toward Jesus, then people can and will be fickle with you. Whatever you do today, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men. He is the One you need to please, and He is the One to whom you will give an account when you die. If you rely on public opinion or consensus for happiness or direction, you’re heading straight for the bondage of discouragement, despair and depression. Don’t go there!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about 1 Peter 2:20-21 (KJV)，read Faith and Work(s) (James 2:14–26) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Called To Work

Tag: Despair

Go, Go, Go!

For Further Exploration

Festive but Fickle

For Further Exploration

Contact Us