Reluctant Retiree

We are familiar with the concept that if we work at a task or to achieve something, we will be rewarded. The star athlete works long and hard to develop skills and receive medals, professional status, and the accompanying fame and financial benefits. The artist practices their craft to develop and present a wonderful artistic endeavor. At our jobs, we work hard to receive the promised wages and promotions.

Proverbs 11:18 says, “The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.” Doing some evil or wrong thing may seem to offer something beneficial, but it is a lie and of no value. Evil promises what it cannot deliver. Only doing righteous things produces real and lasting benefits and rewards. Doing righteousness is not a matter of hard work. Rather it is achieved through following the Savior through the strength that He provides.

We have all felt small and insignificant at times. Perhaps it was after we tried to do something and failed. Maybe this feeling came after a public humiliation. Or perhaps, we were humbled by the criticism of others. Regardless, we have succumbed to the notion that other people think we are useless, powerless, and ineffective.

Luke 1:46-48 says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” When you think that you are small or insignificant, remember that God’s is looking upon you and doing great things for you, so that you are called blessed. You are worthy of God’s attention and His powerful works on your behalf. He loves you and wants to be in your presence. Allow Him to come in today!

Jesus didn’t claim to be a good teacher. He didn’t claim to simply live a model life. He is not someone for whom it is required to just follow His lifestyle or teaching.

Mark 14:61-62 says, “Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'” Jesus claimed to be the Christ and Son of God. We must accept that truth and live accordingly or reject Him. One day we will all see Him coming in the clouds and seated at the right hand of the Father. We must worship Him as the God He is and surrender ourselves to His will.

God gives His children the gift of prayer. He invites us into His presence and tells us to give Him our requests. Furthermore, Jesus goes before us into the presence of the Father and is our High Priest. Jesus intercedes for us with our requests and He advocates for us when we confess our sins. In addition, the Father has given to us the Holy Spirit to intercede with words we cannot utter. Prayer is a gift from the Father and we are told to pray unceasingly.

Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 When going through difficulties, it is good to ask for God’s help. But always be open to following God’s will no matter what happens, because that will turn out for the best. God is good and He is able to answer our prayers. Take advantage of the gift of prayer.

In His final days Jesus gave His disciples very specific instructions. Though these instructions were simple, they seemed unbelievable. Jesus told them to go into the city. He said that they would find a man who was carrying a jar of water. They should follow this man and speak to the master of the house asking him to show them a room for the disciples and Jesus to eat the Passover meal. Jesus said that the man will show them a large upper room furnished and ready for them.

Mark 14:16 says, “And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.” This was not an unusual occurrence for the disciples. Jesus often gave them simple, but very specific instructions. And they always found that the circumstances and events were exactly as Jesus had told them.

Test God’s Word and you will find that everything will be just as He has told you. His promises remain true today just as they were when they were recorded hundreds of years ago. The truths are fixed by God and will never change. Salvation and redemption can be yours by trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.