Heaven's Work Ethic

S - Daniel 4:29-32 (NIV): "Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"  The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.""

O - So much for the American-Puritan Work Ethic as the means to great success.  While I can only guess, I'm thinking that being the despot of the known world is a fairly high pressure and high energy gig.  I'm thinking this great historic figure has worked pretty hard to build and maintain Babylon.  Nevertheless, his hard work is NOT the reason for his "successful reign".  It is not the reason he gained and it is not the reason he will maintain it.  There is a higher power and more deeply ingrained principle in the created order.  Jesus confirms that God really does have a will on earth and his will carries the day everyday. The point is not an absence of work but a recognition of purpose.  Jesus' cousin understood this dynamic and offers to us a clear and helpful worldview.  He said(John 3:27): "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." 

A - Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers is a great book confirming this dynamic in a most engaging way.  Today, I even want to work hard, but the issue is at what?  Will I run off in a flurry of frantic activity aiming for my own success or will I work with the Lord in his brilliant purpose and the success he's designed me for?  The first can get a lot done and inspire heart numbing hell serving pride.  The latter will bring the greatest blessing here and hereafter.  I think I'll believe John and Jesus. 

P - Lord who works,

Thank you for setting the example in all of this.  You work, the Father works, the Spirit works and you've called me/us to work with you in your will on earth like they do in heaven.  Your will affirms NO competition for limited resources and refuses a worldview which accepts and causes collateral damage.  Lord Jesus, I want to work hard and working hard with you … you who are life and in whose kingdom everything lives … vibrant, irrepressible.  My answer is yes!

Steve