5th Week of Easter : Sunday 18th May 2025

Recognizing that work is part of God’s good design for me and one of the ways in which I reflect God’s image as one ceaselessly creating, can transform my outlook towards the honour of working and the glory that is of God.

Paul and Barnabas experienced that tireless working must also return to the touchstone of their assignment. “From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.” (v26). This return is a connecting lifeline for them to assign glory to God who works through them. Then, similar indication of ascribing honour and newness to God is exclaimed in Revelation, ‘He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”’ (v5). Hence, it is only a return to the Lord who is at work, and takes time to delight in His work, that I can value and be amazed by sheer work that it is God who serenely does make things anew.

Seeing work as God’s wisdom to refine my loving attitude is profoundly embedded in John’s Gospel, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (v34-35). To love is never about liking, but rendering service through sweat, stress, and sacrifices. Jesus’ love permeates through all these.

Lord, in loving You, my work is fruitful, it shapes my heart for the world in You.