Our time on this earth is passing so rapidly. James 4:14 describes life as “a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” Paul wrote, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand…” (Rom. 13:12). Jesus realized the urgency of His work, and we are followers of Jesus. He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4). What can we learn from Jesus regarding our work in the kingdom?
We learn that our work is personal.
Jesus said, “I must work…” No one else can do our work for us. Everyone does his own work. Wives cannot work for their husbands, nor parents for their children. Elders are not to do the deacon’s work, and the preacher is not to do the congregation’s work. We all have a work to do (1 Cor. 3:13–15).
We learn that our work is imperative.
Jesus said, “I must work…” Our work in the kingdom is not requested—it is required; absolutely necessary. It is not optional. It is not a matter of whether we have the time, or feel like it, or want to… it’s a must! The prophet asked, “What does the Lord require of you?” (Micah 6:8). The jailor asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). We all must ask the same questions and then do what is required.
We learn that our work is defined.
Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me…” Even as a child, He said, “I must be about My Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) God’s word defines our work. We must help the needy, support the weak, teach the lost, edify the saved, comfort the brokenhearted, be an example for others, and worship and serve faithfully. No one can say, “I don’t know what to do.” Just open your eyes, see what needs to be done, and then do it.
We learn that our work time is limited.
Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” The days and years are speedily passing away. “…Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” (Rom. 13:11) Physical limitations increase as we age, and the precious time of younger years is often wasted. This emphasizes the urgency of our work while it is day.
We learn when our work will end.
Jesus said, “The night is coming when no one can work.” Whether it be when we die, or when the Lord returns, our work will end when night comes. It is important that we realize the urgency of our work in God’s kingdom. There is so much to do, and so little time that any of us have.
“Work, for the night is coming, under the sunset skies;
While their bright tents are glowing, work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth, fadeth to shine no more;
Work while the night is dark’ning, when man’s work is o’er.”
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