Keys to the Kingdom

 

I know of only one person who doesn’t like to hear music. As a musician, I find that rather odd. The music of the church has been inspiring and life-changing for me. The songs I heard and sang as a child continue to influence what I believe and do. I woke up one morning with the straightforward lyrics of “We’ll Work till Jesus Comes” in my soul. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to grasp the meaning of this gospel message in song.

After Jesus was resurrected, the time had come for Him to ascend back to heaven. “As they [apostles] were straining their eyes for another glimpse, suddenly two white-robed men were standing there among them, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has gone away to heaven and some day, just as He went, He will return!’” (Acts 1:10,11 TLB). These two verses are extremely relevant to modern believers. Today, we might say: Don’t just stand there, do something!

We can read the Books of Acts through Revelation and find out what the New Testament believers did. In a nutshell, they loved God, loved people, and went about doing good — that‘s what Jesus did (see Acts 10:38). The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT). These Christians were not loafers — they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and stayed busy doing God’s will. In 2021, there’s still work to be done and victories to be won. The gospel message is to be preached and songs of worship are to be sung. The lost, hungry, hurting, and abused need to be loved, fed, helped, and brought to Christ Jesus.

When it comes to work, there’s a fine line of balance in the life of a believer. We are to accomplish the work God has individually assigned to us without burning out. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:9,10 NLT). When all believers work together in unity, using our unique abilities, we can make a positive difference for the Kingdom of God.

There are no reserved seats on the sidelines for Christians. Yes, there may come a time when your physical work turns into praying and/or financial partnering only. Remember God moves through people who are willing to be used to get the job done. “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]” (1 Corinthians 12:27 AMP). For example, if all the hospital employees were doctors, the place would have to shut down. It takes everybody performing their designated role to have excellent results.

Let’s not drag our feet in working for Jesus until He returns. “The Lord of Hosts says, ‘Get on with the job and finish it! You have been listening long enough!’” (Zechariah 8:9 TLB). So what’s the holdup? It’s time to stop questioning the will of God and start carrying it out.

The Key: Let’s take up where Jesus left off and go about doing good.