August 18, 2004

THE MASTER WORKER

"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, NKJV).

The "Master Worker" is another meaningful portrait of Jesus. He came not only to save us, but to be a model to us in all things. Jesus placed a permanent stamp of dignity and a sacramental value on work. He "was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude."--The Desire of Ages, p. 74.

Whatever work Christ performed, it carried the unmistakable trademark of perfection, true beauty, and excellence. His workmanship was always impeccable. This was as true of His performance in the carpenter's shop as it was in His endless round of ministry. Jesus expressed attitude toward Hi work is this declaration: "My Father is always at his work... and I, too, am working" (John 5:17, NIV). As the "Master Worker," Jesus was constantly engaged in useful, edifying, uplifting, and redemptive work. He brought dignity, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose to His work (see John 9:4). He applied Himself diligently to the task He came to perform. In so doing, He was true to His Father and faithful to those He came to serve.

Christ worked with a sense of purpose, dedication, and urgency. He asserted, "I must work... the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4, NKJV). He knew what it meant to fill every working hour with useful work. Jesus was always on the go doing good (see Acts 10:38). See Him at work in the temple, the synagogue, the market place, the wayside, the ghettos, the suburbs, and the cities. See Him at work night and day feeding the hungry, healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the good news, talking of the kingdom. Here's a sublime statement about the "Master Worker": "He had come into the world as the character builder, and as such all His work was perfect. Into all His secular labor He brought the same perfection as into the characters He was transforming by His divine power. He is our pattern."--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 345.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the "Master Worker," You have taught me the sanctity of work. Help me also to do the work of the One who has sent me. Amen.