Issue 699 – Invisible Work – March 30, 2022

A picture from several years ago showing Kathy doing some invisible work. You might not be familiar with that term, but I know you have done it.

Invisible work is work that no one notices unless it isn’t done. Invisible work can take innumerable forms; it could be yard work, laundry or dishes, or preparing a meal. It might be something in the workplace like putting the coffee on. It could be tidying up the sanctuary at church or making sure the bathroom has supplies. I don’t doubt that you can come up with many examples.

We praise Jesus for His visible work: He lived a sinless life, died on a cross for our sins and was raised again to life and more. Those things are worthy of praise, but we often neglect to notice His ongoing, invisible work.

He accomplished what the incarnate Jesus came for. In that sense, His work is truly finished. Yet there is a work that continues and is arguable more important.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:6-11

An often overlooked part of that passage speaks of things more than what Jesus accomplished in His death.

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

Of greater import than our justification is the work that continues today, which keeps us from the wrath of God and keeps us reconciled to Him. His life saves us.

That concept has great depth, but one aspect of Jesus’ ongoing life is His interceding for us. 

The enemy constantly attacks us before the Lord, pointing out our many sins and failings. Jesus advocates for us before the Father.

Before going to the cross, we see an example of Jesus’ intercession for us in John 17. It is worth reading and meditating on that chapter, but allow me a few excerpts

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15

 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21

We don’t see Jesus interceding with the Father, but we would quickly find a vast difference if that prayer were to be removed.

I can stumble more than enough with Christ in my corner protecting me when I fall. I cannot begin to imagine what it might be like without Him.

We might not see Him at work on our behalf, but give Him praise and glory for His unceasing work on our behalf.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed. 

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required. 

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