Daily
Devotional

Being raised on a large farm, I know something about hard labor. About half of our farm was forest, mostly oak trees, and the rest was cultivated. As the family grew, more land was needed for cultivation. To clear the land, we would fell the trees with an ax, and then, with an eight-foot-long crosscut saw, we would cut the logs into twelve-foot or fifteen-foot pieces. The pieces were split and used as firewood for heating and cooking. We then plowed the cleared ground with a pair of mules. That was very difficult plowing because the stumps and roots were still in the ground. Our labor was rewarded, however, because our corn and peanuts produced abundantly in that good soil.

Working our land was some of the most strenuous labor I ever did. Thinking of my efforts there reminds me, in part, of the effort put forth by Jesus when He came to earth—except that I am sure His efforts far exceeded my own! He was born into a humble home, and spent His life teaching and serving others. He was always doing His Father’s business, and He did it with true compassion for those He helped. He cast out demons, raised the dead, and healed all that came to Him. Yet, He was criticized for healing on the Sabbath, religious leaders were angered by Him, and He was eventually arrested for His good work. He was beaten, mocked, and then nailed to the Cross to die as He bore the sins of the world.

My work on our property was difficult, but no matter how hard my day might feel, it could never compare to what Jesus went through. And He did that for you and me! There was not a big paycheck to spend at the end of His labor—not even a nice crop of corn and peanuts. Rather, there was salvation for sinners.

My family was satisfied with the abundant crop we raised after putting forth all that effort on the farm, but that does not compare with the satisfaction I get from what Jesus did. He saved my soul, sanctified me, and gave me His Holy Spirit. He encourages me and renews my strength every day. I also have the hope of a heavenly home, where I will enjoy all eternity with my Jesus. His work on earth made all these blessings available to everyone. Thank God, His work is beyond comparison!