COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

VAIN LABOR VS. A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. - Psalm 127:1a.

Vain labor is what we attempt to do for God by our own initiatives. Jesus’ testimony: The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. – John 5:19;30.

Some versions actually state, I do nothing of My own initiative. Paul’s testimony: Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. – I Corinthians 15:57-58.

Jesus invites us to freedom from burnout and exhaustion which come from vain labor:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30.

The Hebrew writer adds: There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. – Hebrews 4:9-10.

The Word of God is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. – Hebrews 8:1-2;6.

The more excellent ministry is what God directs by His Spirit. While it is essential that our works be solidly based upon Scripture, it is not enough to develop "scriptural projects" apart from the clear leading of the Holy Spirit. With His direction comes the enablement, the empowerment, and the fruitfulness. You can rest assured of that!

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). He is still speaking. We need to hear from the Son in our spirits. Jesus is the Word of God!

He said, "I will build." Let’s do what He is initiating by the power of His person, as He works in and through us. It doesn’t get any easier than that!