As Long As I Work

This may be a very telling element in our desire to see the works of God today.

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John 5:17 – But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

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Before anything else, look at the word “hitherto.”  It comes from two Greek words, “heos” and “arti.”  “Heos” means “as far as; how long; while.”  “Arti” means “this day; here; now.”  Now take a moment and reason with me as we put all that together.  It might sound like this; “My Father works “this day, here, and now as far as, how long, and while I work.”  When we view the words of Jesus in this manner, it seems to indicate a very powerful principle.  To me it says, “As long as My Father works, I work,” AND “My Father works as long as I work.”

Think what you may, but these two thoughts are absolutely Biblical.  Here are some thoughts for your consideration.  Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father do.  In short, as long as the Father worked, Jesus worked.  Should it be any different for us today?  Jesus said Holy Spirit has come to a Helper to us.  What is it that He is to help us do?  That answer should be quite simple.  He will help us do those things that are pleasing to the Father.  And since Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all in perfect agreement with the same mind, then as long as my works are pleasing to Father, He will continue to work in, with, through, and for me to bring honor and glory to Himself.  After all, Jesus said it is honor to the Father when we bring forth good fruit.

Now my question for provocation of self-examination.  Since Father and Jesus never change, and since we are to be imitators of Jesus, my question is this.  Since Father works as long as I work, what am I doing that keeps my Father engaged in my life at the working level?  And secondly, am I aware of what Father is doing in which I need to be personally engaged?  These are two very probing and illuminating questions we can each as of ourselves.  Ask them of yourself today and every day.  Be honest with yourself about the answers.  Do what you must in your life to arrive at the truth for these two questions.  To some degree, your eternal rewards will be determined by your answers, AND your corresponding actions.  Make it a great day! 

Manna for Today – John 5:1-17; John 14:12-14; Mark 16:15-20; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8;    Ephesians 5:1

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