Work = The use of bodily or mental powers in order to do or make something, especially as contrasted with play or recreation. Something to be undertaken, creative action.
The Saviour's Hebrew name is Yeshua (Yahshua). It is a name which sums his life work - to save mankind from annihilation. It is a name which tells of the constant presence of Yahweh with His people. It is a name above all other names. It is the only name given to mankind through which salvation can be obtained.
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Matthew 1:21 |
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Yeshua: (Jesus) for he shall save his people from their sins." |
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v23 |
"... And they shall call him Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with Us." |
At the very early age of 12 years the Saviour recognised the important fact that he had been sent to earth not to please himself, but to work in his Father's business. That was an over-riding thought of his mind all his life.
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Luke 2:49 |
"Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" |
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John 9:4 |
"I must work the works of Him that sent me." |
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Hebrews 10:7-9 |
"Then said I ... Lo I come to do thy will." |
One may go further and ask: What is the work or will of God? The answer is plain to see. Yahweh's work - the focus of His will - is the salvation of souls. Nothing in the universe compares with this great objective. How shall we describe the Almighty's work? Here are some answers:
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John 6:29 |
"This is the work of God - that you believe in him ..." |
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1 Thessalonians 4:3 |
"For this is the will of God - even your salvation." |
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Romans 12:2 |
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." |
In other words, the Father is in the business of Salvation. And the method He uses to bring about salvation is that people must believe in His Son Jesus. His ultimate objective being to transform the human mind and life to be perfect like He is perfect. According to the Scriptures 'no other route to salvation exists.' Christ came to live out this fact. He knew from a very early age that he was a partner in the family business of salvation. Therefore all his time, all his energies and all his talents were set to do His Father's will. It was Christ's mental attitude to His Father's work that staggered the whole universe; for within 33 years he accomplished more for mankind than the combined efforts of all the philosophers who have lived before or since.
It is comparatively easy to get started on a noble project. Almost every one can start something big or worthwhile. But few finish. Also it is in the 'finished article' that the quality of the workman can be seen. Have you ever noticed how people comment on work done. Here are a few comments:
Notice how it is the job well done that determines the comment. Christ not only started the task set by his Father; but he 'finished' it to perfection. It was a first class job. It was perfectly finished, with all that the word 'finish' implies.
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John 4:34 |
"Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. Do not say, It is still 4 months until harvest time comes. Look! ... at the fields, they are already white for harvesting." |
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John 17:4 |
"I have finished the work you have given me." |
In his role as creator of the physical universe Christ accomplished his work in a week. (Genesis 1, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:2) In his work of living a perfect life and paying the penalty for our sins Christ accomplished his work in 33 years. But in his work of perfecting the faith of believers, of finishing the products of salvation to his Father's satisfaction, Christ works untiringly through the ages. He who began a work in us will finish it; but each article (believer) takes time - some more than others.
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Hebrews 12:2 |
"Looking unto Jesus (Yeshuah) the author and finisher of our faith." |
And for what reward did the Saviour work so hard ?
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Hebrews 12:2 |
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." |
We can learn a great deal about how to work by seeing Jesus at his work. Two key texts to remember are:
Consider his words as standards to aim for. Make them your own. And remember that you will be rewarded according to the job you have done and finished. In the final judgement, and we mustn't dismiss this fact from our minds, every one will be judged according to his/her work. Oh what a sobering thought is here before us!
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Mark 13:33-36 |
"Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping." |
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Proverbs 24:12 |
"Render to every man according to his work." |
May Yahweh grant us His Spirit so that we may live lives which do justice to the message of salvation.
July 1999
Matanyah Learning Centre, Duiwelskloof, South Africa
matanyah.cjb.net/snotes/note0302.html