Revelation 14:13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Historically, Protestants have worked, following Jesus’ example, and the noted German sociologist Max Weber (1864-1920) famously said the “Protestant work ethic” was the primary force responsible for American prosperity as people chased the American dream through hard work. To prepare their children to work, Protestant parents gave their children chores to teach them how to work unto the Lord.
There is a myth that once we are raised from the dead and living in the Kingdom of God, that there will be no more work. That is untrue. In the opening pages of Genesis, before sin entered the world, we are told that, “The Lord God took the man & put him in the garden of Eden to work…” (Genesis 2:15)
To be sure, Genesis 3 says that work is now cursed and far more difficult but work itself is a grace and not a curse. God’s eternal plan is to return to His original divine design of Genesis 1-2 because His plan was right and, though we got it wrong, He’s not changing His plan.
This means, in the Kingdom, we will have meaningful work to do, we will explore the vast corners of God’s creation, build cities, cook amazing meals, hear incredible bands, enjoy jaw dropping art, play sports, throw parties, and do what God planned for us before our sin crushed us.
What did Paul and other areas of the New Testament have to say about work? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s devo.
If you would like to learn more about what kinds of work, and other things, you will be doing in Heaven, there is a free sermon series at realfaith.com (https://realfaith.com/sermon-series/good-news/).
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