Late in His earthly ministry, Jesus said to His disciples: “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). About six months later, the Lord was crucified. It is likely that the day was declining, and with night coming on, He took the occasion to speak these thought-provoking words. He meant simply that it was urgent for Him to do the work the Father sent Him to do while life lasted. What an important lesson this is for all who follow Him.
The Night Is Coming for Everyone
Life is short, regardless of one’s age. Small babies in their mother’s arms are experiencing the beginning of their day, while teens and young adults are at mid-morning. Those in their thirties quickly approach noon, while the forties and fifties are at mid-afternoon. In our sixties and seventies we watch the setting of the sun and the rapid approach of night. The time to work is now, while it is day, for the night is coming.
We Have a Work to Do
Every Christian is to be a worker for the Lord. We sing it, we preach it, we support it with our time and money, and we pray for God’s blessing on our efforts. Scripture exhorts us to be “fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10) and “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). Yet, how often do we waste time that could be used in His service?
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Parents are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
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Young people are exhorted: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
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Older men and women are commanded to be examples and teachers of the younger (Titus 2:1–5).
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All of us are to work at bringing the lost to Christ, remembering Jesus’ words: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37).
The Lord Has Sent Us to Work
After His resurrection, Jesus said: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). He has sent us to teach the lost, to edify and admonish the saved, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to visit the fatherless and widows, to warn the unruly, to comfort the fainthearted, and to uphold the weak.
It is the Lord who said, “Go”. And while it is day, we must go—because He has sent us, and the night is coming.
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