The Urgency of Now: Embracing God’s Mission

In recent months, the world has faced unprecedented challenges. While Singapore may be shielded from some direct impacts, we cannot be entirely immune. For example, Mpox has recently reached Asia, serving as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our global community for better or worse.

In the face of uncertain times, as prophesied in Matthew 24 and Revelation, how can we find purpose and resilience? The answer lies in looking beyond the storms that surround us. By focusing on the divine calling placed upon our lives, we can remain steadfast and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, even amid adversity. This approach mirrors the unwavering commitment Jesus demonstrated in fulfilling the Father’s will during His brief earthly life.

We can see the following two guiding principles in Jesus’ life as presented in John 4:

• Live Your Life With A Divine Purpose

Jesus, on His journey to Judea from Galilee, intentionally passed through Samaria, a region often shunned by Jews. (John 4:4)

This deliberate detour reflects His unwavering commitment to spreading God’s love to the Samaritans. Encountering a Samaritan woman at a well, Jesus offered her the “living water,” signifying a new life.  As the result, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.” (John 4:39)

Truly, Jesus lived His life with a purpose – for His Father

Jesus says, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” ‒ John 6:38-40

We often ask ourselves about our personal goals and aspirations. We should not avoid the deeper question, “What does God want us to achieve with our lives?”

Our purpose transcends personal fulfillment and happiness relating to our families, careers and ambitions. Scripture reveals that the key purpose of our lives is to know God and make Him known.

Let us embrace a life of purpose, allowing God to work through us. Whether it’s restoring broken relationships, sharing the good news with others, or offering hope and joy to those in need, we can be instruments of God’s love and grace. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5, we are called to be “the light of the world” and “salt of the earth,” making a positive impact on those around us.

• Live Your Life With The Right Priorities

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work ‒ John 4:34

Jesus’ statement about food was not a denial of physical needs but a declaration of spiritual priorities. While His disciples were focused on immediate sustenance, Jesus recognized that His true purpose was to fulfill God’s will. His encounter with the Samaritan woman was not a chance meeting but a deliberate act of reaching out to those who needed His message.

To Jesus, the priority now was to DO God’s will and FINISH His work. Many today understand the truth but fail to act upon it.

Jesus’ example emphasizes the power of action over mere knowledge. Through His actions, He led the Samaritan woman to faith in God and eternal life. His presence in the Samaritan town ignited a revival as people witnessed the transformative impact of His message. (John 4:40-42)

In our busy lives, we often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of responsibilities we juggle—housework, homework, schoolwork, office work, and church work. It’s essential to prioritize tasks based on their significance and alignment with God’s will.

By prioritizing our actions and seeking God’s guidance, we can effectively balance our earthly responsibilities with our spiritual calling. Just as Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman and her community, we can also make a lasting impact on those around us by sharing the message of hope and salvation, even amidst our busy lives.

Time is Ripe

Can we truly feel the burning passion within Jesus’ heart? He urged His disciples to look at the fields, ripe for harvest. These words are a timeless reminder for us as well.

As we approach the end of 2024, let us make this year a meaningful one. Let us seek God with all our hearts and actively participate in His harvest work. May 2025 be even more fruitful and exciting as we continue to follow God’s calling.

Seize the moment; reap the harvest!

Rev Anthony Loh