Volume 9 Post/Email 4 – Kopia
VBS has begun! It is always an exciting time at James Avenue as we spend the week teaching and sharing Bible stories through songs, skits, and classes.
Regarding VBS, I am mindful of the New Testament instruction provided to Christians to work. All Christians are called to work in God's kingdom. VBS is an event where numerous members at JA roll up their sleeves and get involved helping and ministering to the children in our congregation and community. It is not the work of a few, and the endeavor can be exhausting, while being a blessing.
Colossians 3:23 reads, "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men."
1 Thessalonians 5:12 states, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you."
Here are a few examples about work. To provide a little more insight for understanding and application, the Greek term for work is 'kopia.' Kopia literally means "to work to a point of exhaustion."
Not just during VBS, but year round, the church is to work! Elders, preachers, and all, are to exhaust ourselves for the cause of Christ. We find refuge and experience renewal in God so we can invest more of ourselves and spend more of our energy in kingdom work.
Prayer:
God, this week, may we work to a point of exhaustion, only to be blessed and filled with joy and energy to continue working next week and next month to teach and minister to people in Jesus' name for his honor. May you be at work in our midst touching and transforming lives. Thank you for the invitation to know you, love you, and follow you - into the world - as ambassadors with your life-changing, life-giving message.
-Brian
