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Are You About Your Father's Business?
Bible study on discipleship.

At age twelve, Jesus went to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover. Instead of departing with them to Nazareth, He stayed behind talking with the teachers in the temple. When they found Him, He responded to His mother's question saying: "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business" (Lk. 2:49)?

The fact that Jesus said "My Father's business" denotes that there is business that is not His Father's. John says: "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother" (1 Jn. 3:10). In other words, those who are practicing righteousness are about God's business, but, those who do not practice righteousness are about the devil's business.

Pause and think about these questions: Whose child am I - God's or the devil's? Am I about God's business or the devil's business?

Consider these four aspects of being about God's business. First we must prepare to be about our Father's business. Have you ever met an earthly son engaging in His father's business without training and preparation? A son generally has a special place in his father's business. As a part of being about his father's business he engages in an intensive training program perhaps going to college and working in the factory, administrative offices, inside sales, and outside sales. A son about his father's business faithfully looks out for his father's interests.

Secondly, those involved in their Father's business must endure suffering. Jesus is our example of suffering: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:21-24). And Paul says: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

Third, God strengthens us to do His will (Eph. 3:16-20; Col. 1:11) while rejoicing in trials and tribulations (Rom. 5:3f; Jas. 1:2-4). God has set in motion the spiritual forces of the universe so that no temptation can overtake us without their being a way of escape provided (1 Cor. 10:13). He works all things together for good (Rom. 8:28) and abundantly supplies for every good work (2 Cor. 9:6-11). The only reason for not being about our Father's business is a lack of desire, commitment, and devotion toward God.

Fourth, there is a reward for those about their Father's business. On earth, a son about his father's business receives a reward - an inheritance. But, a son not about his father's business does not receive a reward. Likewise, those about God's business receive an inheritance - eternal life. Paul says: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Are you about your Father's business? Are you enduring the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this world to accomplish His will in your life? Are you a faithful child of God sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise guaranteeing your inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14)?