Be About the Father’s Business

The first words of Jesus recorded in Luke’s Good News account were during Jesus’ first Passover in Jerusalem. In Jesus, just a boy, — a fully human boy — was also the fulness of Deity, and with it omniscience. Entering into Jerusalem, he knew that looking after His Father’s affairs meant someday dying outside the walls of that beautiful, bustling city. Perhaps he marked the dark spot in his mind as his parent’s caravan approached the city gate.

Astounding! A boy of his age discoursing with teachers of the law! For awhile, Mary’s motherly instincts blinded her from the gravity of the whole thing. Jesus was sincerely surprised when she and Joseph struggled to understand. He was doing exactly what His Abba, Father wanted Him to do. These were His people. This was His Father’s temple. Before this point in His life, Jesus had never felt more alive or fulfilled. What else could He do?

More than any other thing, Christ’s life was characterized by submission to the Father’s will and administration of that will on the earth. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (Jn. 6:38). 

If God foreknew you, He also predestined you to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). We are called to be about our Father’s business.

Are we consumed by a sense of mission? The Father has made his business clear: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). Are we faithful to the Father’s foreordained purpose? The Father has created us in Christ for “good works…that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). The center of Christlikeness, true holiness, is conformity to the will of the Father. Here is adventure, purpose, security, and abundance. Here is deep joy!

A prayer for today: “Father, make me like Jesus. Help me to be about your business. I am bored, exhausted, and exceedingly dissatisfied with my own affairs. I refuse to waste my life on a bigger home, bigger car, bigger bank account, or better retirement. Help my dull eyes and slow heart to see the weight of my calling and identity as an ambassador for the Great God, the Great King, the Only Wise Potentate. Help me to do good always, spread Good News, and be a good steward.”

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