To Every Man His Work
Our Bible passage, introduction to Sunday 17th July’s service and hymns are below.
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Our verses are:
Mar 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mar 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mar 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mar 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
To Every Man His Work
The Lord Jesus has informed His disciples about the soon-to-come destruction of Jerusalem. He has been speaking about this event all along and He now brings His message to its end by giving a parable from a fig tree in springtime and a warning to watchfulness. Just as the witness of nature prepares men and women for the seasons of the year, so the warnings of the Lord inform His followers of danger and open a way of escape from their enemies, sin and death. These experiences would be fulfilled within the lifetime of the present generation and the calamities coming upon the Jewish nation were absolutely certain.
The day and hour unknown
Concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, neither the angels nor the Lord Jesus Himself in His human nature knew the day or the hour it would happen. This hiding of the precise moment was designed to raise attentiveness amongst the Lord’s people and keep them vigilant. It was a lesson for that generation but one designed to elevate watchfulness in every generation by keeping the Lord’s people alert to the promise of the Saviour’s return to judge the world at the end of the age. We look for and hasten unto the coming of the day of God.
It also applies to every individual believer concerning the unknown, but appointed time of our own physical passing from this world in death. We do not know the day and hour our earthly life will end and this should keep us looking to Christ. Moses asks in Psalm 90:12, ‘teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom’.
Watch and pray
The Lord’s message to His disciples is given in verse 33, ‘Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is’. For the next thirty-five years these men would carry in their minds knowledge of the imminent and barbaric destruction of the Jewish people. Their voices as they preached the gospel were warnings to God’s people both to avoid imminent physical disaster and escape from eternal spiritual judgment. The gospel of Jesus Christ is still the way of life for sinners. Lord, give us ears to hear!
A man on a journey
Speaking to His four disciples; Peter, James, John and Andrew, the Saviour brings this day’s teaching to an end by describing a householder who takes a journey and leaves his house in the hands of his servants. He commits to each one his work, and instructs the porter, or doorkeeper, to be alert to protect the property. This is a suitable picture of Christ, soon to return to heaven, and His church. The departure of the householder must not produce carelessness in his absence, but provoke anticipation for his soon and sudden return.
To every man his work
The attention of the Apostles as they watched for warning signs of Jerusalem’s destruction and alerted the church against the rise of false Christs and false prophets remains a suitable activity for the whole church today. The Lord is coming again and His return will bring judgment for some and glory for others. Let us not be deceived by imposters! We, His people, are still called to be found serving in our Master’s house as we anticipate His return: ‘to every man his work’. The Lord’s people are called to be heedful, watchful and prayerful as the time draws near.
A state of readiness
In our Lord’s Day service we shall take up these calls to take heed, to watch and to pray and we shall remind ourselves what it is to maintain a state of readiness in the service of our Master, and why it is important. We shall note the authority that has been delegated to Christ’s servants by the Master of the house, and consider His warnings against being found sleeping when He returns.
Amen
Our hymns are below.
Hymn 1
Gadsby selection 796
All from above. James 1.17; Mark 13. 31
J. Hart 7.6.7.1
When we pray, or when we sing,
Or read, or speak, or hear,
Or do any holy thing,
Be this our constant care:
With a fixed and constant faith
Jesus Christ to keep in view,
Trusting wholly in his death
In all we ask or do.
2
Holiness in all its parts,
Affections placed above,
Self-abhorrence, contrite hearts,
Humility, and love;
Every virtue, every grace,
All that bears the name of good,
Perseverance in our race,
We draw from Jesus’ blood.
3
Lamb of God, in thee we trust,
On thy fixed love depend;
Thou art faithful, true, and just,
And lovest to the end.
Heaven and earth shall pass away,
But thy word shall firm abide;
That’s thy children’s steadfast stay
When all things fail beside.
Hymn 2
Gadsby selection 1051
“Watch and pray.” Matt. 26. 41; Mark 13. 33
A. Steele C.M.
1
Alas, what hourly dangers rise!
What snares beset my way!
To heaven O let me lift my eyes,
And hourly watch and pray.
2
How oft my mournful thoughts complain,
And melt in flowing tears!
My weak resistance, ah, how vain!
How strong my foes and fears!
3
O gracious God, in whom I live,
My feeble efforts aid;
Help me to watch, and pray, and strive,
Though trembling and afraid.
4
Increase my faith, increase my hope,
When foes and fears prevail!
And bear my fainting spirit up,
Or soon my strength will fail.
5
Whene’er temptations fright my heart,
Or lure my feet aside,
O God, thy powerful aid impart –
My guardian and my guide.
6
O keep me in the heavenly way,
And bid the tempter flee;
And let me never, never stray,
From happiness and thee.