Our Lord's unwearied diligence

"Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God." - Luke 8:1

Let us mark, in these verses — our Lord Jesus Christ's unwearied diligence in doing good. We read that "He went throughout every city and village, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God." We know the reception that He met with in many places. We know that while some believed — many did not believe. But man's unbelief did not move our Lord, or hinder His working. He was always "doing His Father's business." As short as His earthly ministry was in point of duration — it was long when we consider the work that it comprised.

Let the diligence of Christ be an example to all Christians. Let us follow in His steps — however far we may come short of His perfection. Like Him, let us labor to do good in our day and generation, and to leave the world a holier world than we found it. It is not in vain that the Scripture says expressly, "He who abides in Him — ought himself also so to walk even as He walked." (1 John 2:6.)

Time is undoubtedly short. But much is to be done with time — if it is well economized and properly arranged. Few have an idea how much can be done in twelve hours — if men will stick to their business and avoid idleness and frivolity. Then let us, like our Lord, be diligent, and "redeem the time."

Time is undoubtedly short. But it is the only season in which Christians can do any active work of mercy. In the world to come — there will be no ignorant to instruct, no mourners to comfort, no spiritual darkness to enlighten, no distress to relieve, no sorrow to minister to. Whatever work we do of this kind — must be done on this side of the grave.

Let us awake to a sense of our individual responsibility. Souls are perishing — and time is flying! Let us resolve, by God's grace — to do something for God's glory before we die. Once more let us remember our Lord's example — and, like Him, be diligent and "redeem the time."

- JC Ryle, Commentary on Luke