Here is a prayer Jesus never prayed on the night before He went to the cross: “Father, I know my time is short and I just want to tell you how sorry I am that I am leaving so many things undone. There are so many more people I could have healed and so many more demons I could have cast out. Slavery and the oppression of the Roman government are still in place and the hypocrisy of the religious leaders still bears down on your people. The disciples you gave me are only now just starting to fully understand all that I have taught them and are still prone to squabbling about who is the greatest among them. I would have loved to accomplish more, but forgive me, I just ran out of time!"
Here is the prayer Jesus did pray: "Father, the hour has come, Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You… I have glorified You on earth. I have finished the work which you have given me to do” (John 17:1- 4).
Pause and Reflect:
An ego-driven barrier to being in harmony with God’s call on our lives is the desire to look for something more glamorous or “meaningful” to do. This may mean leaving unattended the most significant, life giving work of a day that is clothed in serving the mundane and ordinary needs of those around us. Jesus washed feet.
Do the work that is sitting right before you for the glory of God while you are waiting for further instructions. “God will renew you to accomplish the work He has given you. If you can’t think of something to do—encourage someone else in what they are doing. “Do the duty that lies nearest” (Oswald Chambers).
By Phil Hodges
