Does God care about work?  Sunday’s are important, but are Monday’s important as well?  Are our jobs only a means to an end – a way to provide for ourselves and for others?  Or can work itself have meaning in the plans and purposes of God?

In Genesis chapters 1 & 2 we see God’s purpose for work.  He cares about our work.  Specifically, we see:

Humility is not the same as humiliation. The Jewish leaders hoped to humiliate Jesus. Instead he gave a series of lessons in humility. While humility might seem to be an extra trait for Christian overachievers, the Bible describes it as essential for receiving God’s grace. Jesus shows us that the humble person:

cares about people in need

lets others go first

gives without expecting anything in return

trusts God for life’s true rewards

A man approaches Jesus with a question that occurred to him after hearing Jesus teach about the Kingdom. He had begun to wonder if being Jewish was enough for entry into heaven. Jesus clarifies with startling precision. He proclaims:

This is relevant for us today as many assume that God “owes” us heaven as long as we are pretty moral and better than the next person. And American.

Jesus’ words call us to do a heart check.

Jesus makes a startling statement regarding the purpose of his ministry. He speaks of the fire of judgement and an upcoming baptism for which he longs. While many of us envision Jesus as the great peace broker, he describes himself as the cause for great division. He then challenges his listeners to use their skills of observation for something far more important than the weather forecast. What are at first curious and, possibly, confusing statements, eventually become yet another announcement of the Gospel and an invitation to receive life through knowing Him.