The LORD's Day, August 23, 2009

Completing Your Life’s Mission

Matthew 19.1-2

This word "finished" shows up several times in Jesus’ last days on earth. The Galiliean Ministry was completed at this time. Jesus is heading to Jerusalem for the final time before His death.
We see this concept in the Garden in His Great High Priestly Prayer in John 17.1 as He turns from earth to heaven. We see it from the cross in reference to His life but specifically to His sacrificial death for the sins of the world.(John 19.30)

The word finished was something that was indicative of Jesus’ life. As followers of His it is important that we have it in our vocabulary. I like the phrase I heard at a pastor’s conference a number of years ago. In fact it was the theme of the conference: Finishing Well. Those of us who are close to the borders of eternity ought to be thinking about that a lot these days. All of us, young and old alike, ought to be thinking like Jesus did in completing His Life’s Mission.

1. Jesus had a work to do and He did it.

He knew His mission.

He stated it clearly in chapter 15 verse 24, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." His work was foretold by Isaiah. Isaiah 9.1-2 Jesus spent almost all His ministry in the Galilee. He knew what He was supposed to do and He did it. His primary work was among His own people with Gentiles beginning to come. The disciples, then Paul to the Gentiles. The foundation of the Old Testament and then the apostles were always a part of His plan.

We have roles which we are to fulfill:
Child- we finish that role or at least we should by the time we get into our teens.
Parent/ Uncle/ Aunt /Grandparent- guidance of a soul is so important.
Brother/Sister
Life’s Work

We have works that the LORD prepared in advance for us to do which may be part of our life’s work or may not. Paul worked as a tentmaker and preached the gospel freely. My grandmother was a homemaker but had a letter writing ministry whereby she encouraged people. Many give themselves fully to the work of the LORD while supporting themselves in other ways.
I believe we will find pleasure in serving the LORD and it is in those things that we connect with the works He has prepared for us to do! (Ephesians 2.10) KJV- "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." The Psalmist wrote, "All the days ordained for me were written in Your Book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139.16) Find those things that God has ordained for your life. Walk in them.

Don’t take these verses lightly! Before we were born God had written down what we were to do. God divinely fashioned our days! He has a life’s work for you and its not to just sit on a pew!

He was steadfast.
Luke 9.51 As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Some have called this the bravest verse in the Bible. Jesus knew all things. He knew what was waiting for Him in Jerusalem and yet He went. He knew Jerusalem would not be the end, but the beginning. He knew He would rise again. He knew He was going to be taken back up to heaven.

He was tempted in all points as we are and did not waver one iota from His Life’s mission. He continued to do God’s will.
He did in the face of opposition.
He did it in the face of ridicule.
He did it when His enemies were attempting to kill him.
He did it when the whole world save a few turned against Him. I Corinthians 15.58
He finished the works.
He did everything He was given to do.

Let’s follow that example of our LORD. There are so many good things to do that we need to ask the LORD to give us discernment between the good and the excellent.
Sometimes serving can be painful. Jesus is an example of this too.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12.2

Pain does not necessarily mean the absence of joy. Luke 10.21 At that time, Jesus full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise You, Father, LORD of heaven and the earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and have revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure."

Suffering and pain does not necessarily preclude joy. Go to any maternity ward in any hospital. You will find this pain and joy together. Go home with a newborn and have some sleepless nights and you’ll see struggles and joy in the same person.

I love that verse in Psalm 15 where it is talking about those who can fellowship with the LORD, verse 4 who keeps his oath, even when it hurts. Circumstances of pain does not release the good man from his promises. He keeps His word and his LORD keeps him!

Jesus spoke of the completion of His mission to the Father: John17.4 I have brought You Glory on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. We bring glory to God by following Jesus in this way.

We have works to do and we cannot let anyone or anything stop us from doing the will of the Father in Heaven!

2. When He was done He left.

Jesus was human. He wanted at times to head back to heaven right away.
Luke 12.50 I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed.

Just a few weeks ago ...
Matthew 17.17 "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?"

Galilee We just read where He finished His Work there.
Jerusalem He was on His way to complete His Life’s Work on earth.
For the joy set before Him...
This world

3. Because He completed His Mission His Work Goes On.

I am not being morbid this morning but if Jesus doesn’t come back soon, in your lifetime, what are you now doing that will live on after you are gone?
What are you doing that will go on forever? This has to do

with things eternal.... giving to the LORD’s work is one of those things... Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... Every fraction of a penny (the Widow’s Mite) given to God is noticed by Him.

Every time you share God’s Word and the seed takes root in a person’s heart you are doing something that is eternal.

Every time you pray you are placing something in the incense bowls in heaven. You are connecting with God’s throne there!

Give, Share, Pray, Serve with all your heart!
Things done for Him are eternal.

Be able to say with Paul, the apostle,
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. II Timothy 4.6-8