In the fifth chapter of John, we find the Lord Jesus as the Worker. In fellowship with the Father, He must work :" My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."
There could be no rest for Him in a scene where sin had defiled and ruined every thing. His rest was above the scene, in the One who had sent Him. What a lesson this for us ! How apt we are to be restless here, instead of workers! If indeed we find fully our rest in Him who has sent us, even as He was sent (Jno. 20:21), will it not lead us in fellowship with Him in His work in this scene of sorrow? Beloved brethren, what a place of privilege is ours! "Sent ones"! Sent by Him, as He was sent:sent to be workers here, in fellowship with Him. Our rest indeed in Himself, as His rest was in the Father.
And we find He lays down the principles, if I may so call them, that governed Him in His work. He says, " I can of Mine own self do nothing :as I hear, I judge :and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." (5:30.)
"I can of Mine own self do nothing." Every thing was done in communion with and dependence on the Father.
What a word for us ! How much work is, so to speak, master, because we have not learnt this lesson! But again, He says, "As I hear, I judge." His was the listening ear. As on another occasion He tells us, "I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." (Jno. 12:49.) How much of vain speaking would this save us if it were true of us! Oh for a waiting, listening ear, that seeks ever the Lord's word, and acts and judges in accordance therewith !
" My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." Here we find the secret of true judgment. Just in proportion as we are seeking a place for ourselves do we fail to have a just conception of things. How much failure can be attributed to this! How self-seeking so often characterizes us in the Lord's service ! May we be led, in the power of the indwelling Spirit, to surrender ourselves unreservedly to the will of our blessed Lord, so that down here, as "His sent ones," we may have His mind, and thus be a help to the Lord's people in these days.
The call to-day is for unselfishness and devotedness in the ministry of God's Word. Seeking not the applause of men, but, through good report and evil, seeking to make Christ known to others, and giving a faithful testimony for Him in these days of unfaithfulness.
To this end, beloved brethren, ought we not to make continual prayer and supplication to our God? May this coming year, if our Lord tarry, lead each one of us to seek this blessing for ourselves and for the whole Church of God. J.J.S.