With just one turn of the page into the Bible, we see, “And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. (Genesis 2:2) In Genesis 2:8, we read that God, after creating the universe and everything in it, worked in preparing an extraordinary garden to bless man.
As we turn a few more pages, God continued his work. He instructed Abram to move. He was also with Joseph when his brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery; “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.” (Genesis 39:2-5)
How Did The Israelites Escape?
God sent Egypt not one, not five, but ten plagues (Exodus 7-12) to force Pharaoh to free the Israelite slaves from 400 years of bondage. He parted the Red Sea as an escape route and provisioned the Israelites for 40 years (despite chronic groaning and disobedience). God was with Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego, protecting them from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). He caused Jonah to get swallowed up by a fish and spit out to give him something to think about. God orchestrated numerous prophets throughout biblical history to inform people of his promises and judgment. Through hundreds of fulfilled prophecies (God’s work), we have evidence that God is who he says he is. The Bible is “God-breathed”; over a span of 1,500 years, he used about 40 authors on 3 continents to deliver a unifying message.
Who Holds Creation Up?
We found this about God’s work from our friends at www.GotQuestions.org. “According to Genesis 1, God created everything out of nothing through the power of His word. And in the New Testament, Jesus is the very Word of God Himself (John 1:1–3). With His word, Jesus speaks life and power into all things—nothing can exist or survive outside of His word and power. Imagine Jesus as the “pillars” that hold up the entire “house” of the universe. Take away the pillars, and the entire house would crumble beneath itself. Were Jesus not holding up all creation, then everything would crumble beneath itself.”
Jesus worked as a carpenter. He traveled by foot, preached, prayed, performed miracles, and discipled. He used examples of work in his parables and described himself and his Father as workers., “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17) During his excruciating torment, he centered his heart and mind on others by asking the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34). He saved and comforted the thief on the cross next to him (Luke 23: 39-42), and does so for all who trust in him. “Having done all of this work, Jesus secured a favorable verdict for believers, for when we stand before the Father, he will plead our case." (Romans 8:1, emphasis added).
Jesus appeared to hundreds after the resurrection, including one “Doubting Thomas”. In heaven, he is still watching, praying, and interceding; “… who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:34) “…he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) Jesus prepares a place for believers in his Father's house and promises to be with us. (John 14:2-3)
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8). He causes transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). He causes us to be fruitful (Galatians 5:22-23).In Romans 8, we learn that the Spirit lives in us (the believer), that he will help us to overcome sin and provide us with assurances of salvation. He bears witness to Jesus to save souls (John 15: 26). He helps us to learn and remember. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26). We learn in John 15 that the Spirit will guide us in our everyday lives. The Spirit helps us in our weakness to pray, even when we do not know how or what to ask for. (Romans 8:26)
What kind of King is this who chooses to love and serve us in these many ways? He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. He works relentlessly to draw us close so that we might have eternal life.
Prayer - Lord, Give me a greater appreciation for your love and work. Cause me to respond by drawing closer to you, and trusting and obeying. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Free Resources
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