Proverbs 20:13: Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
Insight
He is saying, “Go to work.” You will remember this is the same thing that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Those people were so excited about the possibility of the Lord’s return that they were just waiting for the Lord. It is wonderful to be looking for Him and waiting for Him. But that doesn’t mean that just sitting down and gazing into space is the way to wait for Him. A true anticipation of the coming of the Lord will cause a person to work harder than ever. 1
Application
Paul spoke about how faith and grace are seen in our labor of love in 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Have you learned how to live in His grace, and how to work under His grace? The grace that leads to salvation is the same grace that leads to service. We are saved by faith, but we are saved for works. Have you become unattached from the connection between His work of salvation and His work of sanctification? Ask Jesus for the life of His Spirit to dominate your thoughts, your will, and your sanctified works.
Motivation
In all things, show yourself to be a pattern of good works. Titus 2:7
Resting in His presence can happen while you’re working in His presence. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please bless the labors of my hands, and the labor of love in my heart.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
