One snowy January morning several years ago, I waved my husband good-bye. A team of volunteers left in a small bus to build a house for a needy family in Mexico, and he was the main driver. Shivering in the -25° C morning, I turned back to the school building. Terry would enjoy the temperature in Mexico, and I was glad he had the opportunity to join others in the church on this week-long mission trip.
Four days later, I heard from my husband. They were almost finished the “house”, really a simple wood structure quickly put together with only battery-powered hand tools. I marvelled at the speed with which such a goal could be accomplished. With just a twinge of envy at the news in this brief e-mail, it struck me how different life was on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, as compared to my life here in the snow belt. The project sounded fast paced, exciting. Here in Central Alberta, Canada, life went on, nothing out of the ordinary happening, just the day-to-day getting up in the dark, driving an hour on snowy roads to get to school, and dealing there with children who felt the effects of being cooped up in the frigid weather.
Then I remembered how much God valued faithfulness.
“Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.” (Luke 1:6,7 NLT)
Zechariah had served in the Temple for years. Finally, he was chosen by lot to burn incense in the sanctuary. God spoke to him there, and he received the startling news that after years of childlessness, he and Elizabeth were to become parents in their old age. God rewarded their faithfulness.
Fast forward a few months. Jesus was born, and His parents presented Him to the Lord in the Temple for the purification offering.
“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon himand had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God.” (Luke 1:25-28 NLT)
Anna, a prophet, was also there. “She never left the Temple, but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer.” (Luke 2:37b) (NLT)
Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna were faithful, just fulfilling their calling, and being patient. God rewarded them. Zechariah and Elizabeth had a son, and Simeon and Anna saw the Messiah. Simeon proclaimed Him in song, and Anna talked about Him to everyone who had been waiting to see the Messiah.
Whenever you think your work or your daily tasks at home are just ordinary, remember the examples of faithfulness in God’s Word, and rest assured that your faithfulness will one day be rewarded.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You that Your Word shows us examples of people who were faithful to You. Help us to continue being faithful in whatever mundane tasks You have set before us, knowing You highly value this quality. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada