The Bible verse John 9:4 states “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” This verse comes from a passage where Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth. After performing this miracle, Jesus explains the meaning behind it. His statement in verse 4 provides insight into why we are exhorted to work and serve God diligently during our lives on earth.
The Limited Window of Opportunity
When Jesus says “while it is day,” He is referring to our time here on earth before death comes. Night symbolizes the end of our earthly lives when we will stand before God in judgment. Jesus emphasizes that we only have a limited window of opportunity to accomplish what God has called us to do. Our season of “daytime” will eventually come to an end.
The day in this verse can also represent the time before Christ’s return. We do not know exactly when Jesus will come back, but we are to live in readiness and faithfulness until that unknown day and hour. The opportunity to serve Him is now, during our lifetimes. There will come a time when it is too late.
Making the Most of Our Time
Since our days are numbered, Jesus commands us to make the most of our time and work diligently. This verse is an exhortation to spiritual productivity and staying focused on God’s priorities for our lives. We are called to be faithful stewards of the time and abilities He has given us (Luke 12:48).
Working while it is day means using our gifts and talents to advance God’s kingdom now through whatever vocation He has called us to. It includes any work directed at bringing glory to Him and blessing others. Some specific ways this can be lived out is sharing the gospel, discipling believers, serving in church ministry, volunteering in the community, and supporting missionary work.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus illustrates the importance of working diligently and making the most of what God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30). Wasting time and opportunities is portrayed as unacceptable in light of eternity.
The Sense of Urgency
Knowing that night is coming when no one can work should instill a sense of urgency in believers. Our time here is short and limited. We cannot afford to be passive or complacent about serving God. Jesus understood the urgency of His earthly mission because of the limited time He had (John 9:4, John 11:9-10). As His followers, we too must redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16).
The coming night represents a deadline that should motivate us to diligence and action. We only have so many days before our window of opportunity closes. This is why Scripture exhorts us to make the most of each day and serve God with our full hearts now (Psalm 90:12, Romans 13:11-14, Colossians 4:5).
Work that Carries into Eternity
The work Jesus refers to in John 9:4 is work with eternal benefits that brings glory to God. It has value beyond this earthly life. Someday we will have to give an account before God for how we spent our time and used our talents (Romans 14:10-12). Only kingdom work rooted in Christ will last into eternity.
Earthly, worldly pursuits that do not align with God’s will have no bearing past our brief lives here. They cannot be continued into heaven and hold no reward in the next life. Therefore, we are exhorted to invest ourselves in things of eternal significance while we still can. The night is coming when our work will be tested by fire to assess its abiding value (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Serving God in whatever capacity He calls us to now is work that reaps eternal dividends. It brings light to the world and impacts lives for eternity. We build up treasure in heaven when we steward our earthly lives for God’s glory and purpose (Matthew 6:19-21). The things that will truly matter beyond the grave are those done in the power of Christ.
The Priority of Spiritual Work
Working for God’s kingdom should be our top priority in life as believers. The time we have here to accomplish what He has called us to do is fleeting. We cannot afford to waste our days because they will soon pass. Serving and glorifying God should take precedence over other pursuits.
This requires maintaining an eternal perspective amid the busyness and distractions of daily life. Setting aside regular time to read Scripture, pray, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God equips us to keep our spiritual calling central. Nurturing our relationship with Christ reminds us of our purpose as His disciples.
Making a living and providing for our families are also noble responsibilities. But even our careers and family duties should be carried out in light of eternity and God’s priorities. We fulfill our earthly callings in a way that ultimately serves the Lord and advances His kingdom.
Living with Purpose and Intentionality
Knowing that our opportunity to work for God is limited should lead us to live purposely and make each day count. Time squandered can never be retrieved. We are called to walk in wisdom toward outsiders and live intentionally (Colossians 4:5).
It takes discipline to maximize each day God gives us. But we can redeem the time through diligent effort and godly focus. Setting goals to serve Him and being vigilant against wasting time helps us live purposefully for His glory. Accountability through Christian fellowship aids consistency and perseverance in doing kingdom work.
Working heartily for the Lord also requires getting adequate rest and taking care of our bodies. We should steward our health so we can labor faithfully during the years God grants us. Balance in life and renewing strength in Him enables enduring spiritual productivity (Isaiah 40:31).
Relying on God’s Grace and Strength
While we heed the urgency to labor for God’s kingdom, we must remember it is only by His grace and empowering that we can bear lasting fruit. He is the one who opens doors of opportunity and directs our steps according to His will. Zeal and diligence in serving flow from the motivation of the gospel and relying on the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:28-29).
Our human efforts alone are insufficient and will not succeed apart from Christ’s enabling. He cautions that apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value (John 15:5). We must yield ourselves fully to Him and draw strength from Christ. Only work done in His power will carry reward and endure the testing fires.
Therefore, striving in our own strength leads only to burnout and defeat. But laboring in fellowship with Jesus results in a fruitful harvest as He multiplies and blesses our faithful efforts in submission to Him.
Setting an Example for Others
Diligently serving God sets a powerful example for other believers to emulate. Paul exhorted Christians to follow his pattern of living intentionally for Christ each day (1 Corinthians 11:1). Our faithfulness can inspire and motivate others to maximize their limited time on earth.
Making the most of every opportunity models for the next generation what it means to number our days and walk in wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Our priorities and dedication to God’s work should reflect an eternal perspective that points others to Christ. We can disciple believers in stewarding life well for His glory.
Even unbelievers may be drawn to the gospel and God’s kingdom purpose when they observe the earnestness with which we serve the Lord. Our redeemed lives can point to our coming King and the urgency of surrendering to Him.
Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Diligently serving God with the limited time we have stores up eternal treasures rather than those tied to earth. When we use our gifts to advance His kingdom and bless others, we are laying hold of the life to come (1 Timothy 6:19). Our works done in Christ follow us into heaven and reap imperishable rewards.
Jesus urges us to accumulate riches in the next life that will not wear out or fade. They are safe for eternity, unlike earthly wealth that can be so easily lost (Matthew 6:19-21). When we live in light of eternity, the temporal pursuits of this world lose their grip on our hearts.
We demonstrate genuine faith in Christ and His return when we invest ourselves in that which lasts forever. The night is coming when all our earthly accomplishments and possessions will mean nothing. Only a life lived for God’s glory will count in the end.
Being Ready to Meet Christ
Living purposefully now in light of eternity prepares us to meet Christ face to face. We will rejoice at His coming rather than shrink back in shame if we are found faithfully serving Him (2 Timothy 4:8, 1 John 2:28). Stewarding our lives well leads to boldness when He appears.
Diligently laboring for God’s kingdom helps keep us ready for Jesus’ return. It guards us against becoming distracted or bogged down in trivial pursuits that hold no eternal significance. Remembering that this life is fleeting keeps us spiritually vigilant and focused on what matters most.
The judgment seat of Christ motivates His servants to use their earthly time well (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Our eternal rewards will reflect how we spent our days. Did we live for self or for our Savior?
Finishing the Work God Gave Us
Since Jesus lived with a sense of urgency to complete His work during His earthly ministry, we too should have this same resolve. He was given a divine mission and purpose to fulfill in His limited time on earth. We also are called to finish what God gave us to do before life ends.
On the cross, Jesus declared the work God gave Him was now accomplished (John 19:30). But some work remains for the rest of the church before Christ returns. That is why we must keep laboring faithfully while it is still day. The fields are ready for harvest (John 4:35).
Living with eternity in view and redeeming our time equips us to complete our God-given assignments. Diligently walking in our calling and giftings enables us to say we finished the race marked out for us when we meet Jesus face to face (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Fulfilling Our Purpose
Working diligently for God’s kingdom fulfills the very purpose He created us and redeemed us for (Ephesians 2:10). The time we have on earth is meant to be invested in glorifying Him through faithful service. That is the chief aim and reason we exist.
Laboring diligently for eternal rewards brings great joy and satisfaction now. It is the only way to live a life of purpose and meaning that counts forever. All other pursuits in work, family, and leisure must flow out of our supreme calling to honor Christ.
One day we will give an account for how we spent the precious gift of time and opportunities God granted us (1 Peter 4:10-11). Did we waste it or make the most of it for eternity? Fulfilling our purpose necessitates working heartily while there is still light.
Conclusion
In summary, Jesus exhorts His followers in John 9:4 to diligently serve God during their brief lifetime because earthly opportunities are fleeting. Our days are numbered before life ends and eternal realities begin. This necessitates living purposefully and urgently for Christ’s kingdom amid temporal distractions.
Wise believers understand that only what is done for God and His glory carries over past this life. We are called to labor wholeheartedly in our vocations and utilize our gifts to advance His purposes on earth while we still can. Our faithfulness and fruitfulness bring eternal blessings. When we live in light of eternity, we can fulfill our purpose of bringing renown to our Lord and Savior.