“As long as it is day, we must do the work of
him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9.4
On first glance, this phrase may seem strangely
placed in its present context. It follows Jesus’ response to the disciples’
question, when He tells them that the man’s blindness was not due to his own
sin or that of his parents, but is an opportunity for the work of God to be
displayed in his life. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “The man’s blindness presents us
with an immediate opportunity to live out the kingdom of heaven, and God’s
power, on this earth.” Then, His comments in verse 4 suggest that we
are to take full advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, for the
time frame within which the Gospel work can be done is indeed limited – night
is coming!
Two points stand out clearly for me in this
verse. Firstly, Jesus uses the plural in the doing of the work. The work is
that of God, the one who sent Jesus. But the work is not required of Jesus
alone. Jesus says, “We must do the work.” Today, this means me. I must join with Jesus to complete the work that the Father has
for me.
The second clear point is the imperative that
Jesus uses in respect of doing the work. We must do it. It seems we have no choice. Am I willing? I hope so.
Lord Jesus,
I desire to follow You
and do the work that the Father expects of me.
I would live to obey Him, to live in the fullness of His will, to do what
I see Him do and what He requires me to do.
You did this, Lord,
and I want to do it. I ask for Your help. I receive Your Holy Spirit and ask
for His constant strength and guidance. Equip me and lead me into the
fulfillment of the Father’s will.
You are the way, and
the only way. I look to You; I lean upon You; I seek to learn from You. Help
me, please, in your precious name I ask. Amen.
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