Scripture: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Explanation of Song: Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymnwriter, and many of her hymns are known worldwide. “Rescue the Perishing” was written one night after Ms. Crosby was speaking to a group of workers. She felt as though there was one “dear boy” who had wandered from his mother’s home and teachings. She asked that that individual come see her after the service. It was then, she led that young man to Christ. That night, as she thought about “rescuing the perishing”, she wrote the entire hymn. Thirty-five years later, at another service, a young man approached her. He told her that he was the boy she had led to Christ years before, and how he had tried to live a consistent Christian life since then. He reassured her that if they never again met on earth, he would definitely see her in heaven. Ms. Crosby later said it was one of the most gratifying experiences of her life.
Application: There aren’t a lot of things we know about the life of young Jesus. However, what we do know is that Jesus valued the importance of doing His heavenly Father’s work. As He answered questions in the temple, His knowledge amazed the religious leaders. With His expounding on each query, He was doing His Father’s work by teaching them of the spiritual truths in the Scriptures. When his parents finally found them, He responded, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).
As we grow in our faith, the Bible tells us that we become more conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us of this, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As such, we should also find ourselves “about our Father’s business” just as Jesus was.
What is the Father’s business? His work is two-fold. The first aspect of the Father’s business is to grow strong in our own faith, becoming more and more like Jesus. Romans 12:1-2 gives us our personal instructions. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.” To do this is multifaceted. First, we must immerse ourselves in the study of the Word of God. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Next, we must also cultivate our faith through regular prayer, solid Biblical teaching, and fellowship with other believers as instructed in Acts 2:42. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Following this biblical formula equips us to move seamlessly into the next phase of work God has for us.
The second aspect of our Father’s business is seeking lost souls needing salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Jesus gave us our marching orders just before He ascended to heaven. In Matthew 28:19-20, we read what is now known as the “Great Commission” given to us by our Saviour. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” We are to share the gospel with the unsaved, teaching them about Jesus, and helping them find their way to His marvelous gift of eternal life through the forgiveness of sins and the salvation He offers so freely.
Soon, the days will be accomplished when no more work will be able to be done for our heavenly Father. The trump of God will sound, Jesus and the archangel will shout, and we will be ushered into the presence of the Lord for all eternity as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 states. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” But many will be left behind.
The rapture of the church is imminent. We must all make a diligent effort to share the gospel and lead others to Jesus before it’s too late. Ask yourself, “Am I truly being busy about my Father’s work?” If not, why not start today?
Memory Verse: “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24
Stretching your thoughts:
1. Think back to the one who led you to Christ. Where would you be if they had not been doing God’s work?
2. Whom do you know that needs to hear about Jesus?
3. What is stopping you from sharing Christ with others?
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
Refrain:
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe. [Refrain]
Rescue the perishing, duty demands it—
Strength for your labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them,
Tell the poor wand'rer a Savior has died. [Refrain]
(from “Rescue the Perishing”by Fanny Crosby)