Thursday, February 21, 2013

Morning Psalms: 50, 59, 60 | Evening Psalms: 19, 46
Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5 | Genesis 39:1-23 | Hebrews 4:1-10 | John 3:16-21

Several years ago while working at a secular “day job,” I found myself struggling to regain my sense of purpose. I showed up for work each day and did my job to the best of my ability, but some days I seemed to be just going through the motions. Then I began to reflect on how my day job could itself be thought of as a calling from God. Christopher Wright reminds us that the range of biblically-sanctioned activities that people may be sent by God to do is staggeringly broad: trade, professions, law, industry, agriculture, engineering, education, medicine, media, politics, government, and even leisure, sport, art, and entertainment. I found it useful to begin each morning by praying, “Lord, it is only because of you that I’m able to do my job today. I lay it at your feet. Show me how my work can be for the glory of your Kingdom.”

Today’s reading from Genesis 39 tells the story of Joseph serving in Potiphar’s household. While certainly not a career path Joseph could have imagined for himself, we see that nevertheless, the Lord was with him. God “showed him kindness,” “granted him favor,” and “gave him success in everything he did.” God also gave Joseph the wisdom to know which of the realities of his situation he needed to accept, and which lines he must never cross. And what Joseph did not realize at the time, we know from later in the story: God had a purpose in sending him to Egypt. He intended it for good—in order to save many lives.

Let us remember today the many Christians serving in the everyday, secular working world. Let us ask God to bless them, protect them, and show us how we, His Church, can help to equip our brothers and sisters to be salt and light in the world.

Most Gracious God, we lift our brothers and sisters serving in the everyday working world up to You. We repent of the times when our vision is much smaller than Yours. We pray that You would bless them and show us how we can help to equip our brothers and sisters to be salt and light wherever You have placed them. In Jesus name, Amen.
 
Dr. Scott Santibanez (DMin Student)
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Graduate & Faculty Ministries
Volunteer physician, The Good Samaritan Health Center
Atlanta, Georgia