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Before We Get Gathered

 

Number 4:  November 21, 2005

 

It’s Monday morning! That thought has paralyzed the work force of this country into slow, ineffective production due to the drudgery of having to go to a job that they do not like, in order to pay the bills, so they can keep up with the Jones’. This may be an over simplification, but not many people are ready or willing to be productive employees as soon as they get to their job.

 

Planning and preparation are required to make the best use of one’s time. Since the day before Monday is a football day, this can serve as a useful illustration. The coaches immediately start planning and preparing for the next game as soon as they are able. It will show on Sunday, and be discussed all the following week on talk radio, on how well they did their job.

 

Jesus Christ showed an effective way to get ready for the work week. He got up early and went away by himself to talk with his heavenly Father.

 

Mark 1:35:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

 

After receiving instruction, he went forth and did his best to execute what God wanted him to do to finish his work of redeeming mankind in a timely manner. From an early age, Jesus knew what his purpose in life was; to do his Father’s business.

 

Luke 2:49:

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

 

Doing the will of his Father is what he did all his life. Wouldn’t you like an employee like that?

 

John 8:28 and 29:

… that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

 

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

 

He stayed obedient and on task even in his death

 

John 19:30:

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

 

When he had totally finished his mission on earth, when he had totally redeemed mankind, when the project was completely complete, then he could die; but not until then. He laid down his life on behalf of all of mankind. Isn’t it a good thing then, he did not take Monday mornings off?