The King's Business

[King's business, 1 Chron 4.23 - Father's business, Lk 2.49 - his own business, Matt 22.5]

Matthew 22.5

'But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.'

Those invited to the marriage feast spurned the invitation. They were not willing to come, because they were busy with their own business. They were caught up in their own affairs; they were motivated by their own selfish interests.

Luke 2.49

'And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

Joseph and Mary were anxiously searching for Him. His mother said, "Son, why have You done this to us?" They couldn't imagine that He would neglect His earthly family. But He had a heavenly Father, and He had to be about His Father's business.

I remember how Luke 2.49 convicted me sharply, many years ago, when I neglected God's work to attend to my own work.

1 Chron 4.23

'These were the the potters and those who dwelt among plants and hedges; they dwelt there with the king for his work [or business, or service]'

The posterity of Shelah, the son of Judah, seem to have been talented craftsmen and workers. In verse 21, we have the linen workers of Ashbea. In verse 23, we have the potters and gardeners. It seems from this passage that they served the king in his business. They worked for the king. Wherever they lived [be it Netaim or Gederah or some other place], their labour and service was for the king. It was a royal calling; they were in the king's service.

As Christians, we have a high and holy calling. We are here to serve the King of kings; we are ambassadors for Christ. That is our calling. Whatever we put our hand to, whatever we do, is for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Cor 10.31. We are here to glorify Him. This is a great responsibility and calls for great & careful preparation. Without yielding our bodies and souls to Him, Rom 12.1, we cannot really enter into divine service.