Theology of Work: Work Through the Whole Bible Devotional

1. The purpose of work (Genesis 1:27-28)

Devotions/TOWmeaning of your work,show your glory(0)

What are we here for? What good is our work? What is the purpose of...

2. God’s wisdom for work (Exodus 31:2-5)

Devotions/TOWability,holy,secular,wisdom(0)

Exodus chapters 25-31 talk to us in detail about the instructions that God gave Moses...

3: Reparation and restitution at work (Leviticus 6:2-5)

Devotions/TOWConvict,Guilt Offering,Remorseful Sinners,Reparation,Restitution(0)

Each offering in Israel’s sacrificial system has its place, but there was a special feature...

4: Authority at work (Numbers 12:3)

Devotions/TOWAuthority(0)

In Numbers 12, Moses’ brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, tried to launch a revolt...

5: Rest and work (Deuteronomy 5:12-14)

Devotions/TOWProvision,Rest(0)

The first part of the fourth commandment calls for ceasing labor one day in seven...

6: Land, labor and provision (Joshua 5:11–12)

Devotions/TOWA land flowing with milk and honey,My daily bread,The Promised Land(0)

There is an inextricable link between land, labor, and provision. The land of Canaan was...

7: Women leaders at work (Judges 4:4-5)

Devotions/TOWConflict Resolution,English tags: Counsel,Leadership,Renew,Transform(0)

The best of the judges, according to the book of Judges, was Deborah. The people...

8: Creating opportunities for work (Ruth 2:17–19)

Devotions/TOWEmpower others,Gleaning,Opportunities for work,Protection of poor and vulnerable people,Provide for themselves(0)

The most important way God overcomes barriers to our fruitfulness is through the actions of...

9: Accountability for leaders (1 Samuel 25:26-34)

Devotions/TOWAccountability,Conflict,courage,Exercise influence,Hold their leaders accountable,Telling the truth(0)

David had a long and difficult apprenticeship; his rivalry with Saul caused him to flee...

10: Abuses of power at work (2 Samuel 12:5-9)

Devotions/TOWHealing,Repent,Safety,Wholeness(0)

The Bible regards David as the model king of Israel. Yet even David abused his...

11: Ask for wisdom for work (1 Kings 3:5–13)

Devotions/TOWBreath of understanding,Centralization,Conscription,Forced labor,Militarization,Understanding(0)

Upon succeeding David as king, Solomon faced the vastness of his duties (1 Kings 3:5-15)...

12: Accountability, transparency and integrity at work (2 Kings 12:10–11)

Devotions/TOWIntegrity,Transparency(0)

During the later history of Israel, the priests became corrupt. Instead of using worshippers’ donations...

13: Succession planning at work (1 Chronicles 22:5-17)

Devotions/TOWCurse,Succeed,Succession Planning,Thrive(0)

Because David had shed so much blood as king, God determined not to allow him...

14: The temptations of success at work (2 Chronicles 26:4, 10, 16)

Devotions/TOWPower,Pride(0)

How could king after king of Israel fall so easily into evil? The story of...

15: God at work through unexpected people (Ezra 1:1-3)

Devotions/TOWArrogance(0)

The Book of Ezra begins with a decree from King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the...

16: When to pray and when to take action at work (Nehemiah 1:4; 2:1-8)

Devotions/TOWArduous,Mocked,Sit back and relax(0)

Nehemiah was a trusted advisor and high-ranking Persian official. He would use his professional experience...

17: Taking risks at work (Esther 3:5-15, Esther 4:5-16)

Devotions/TOWI place my hope in you,I submit my life to you,Positions,Prospects(0)

While Esther’s entrance to Ahasuerus’ palace granted access to power and influence, she concealed her...

18: Treat others with respect and dignity at work (Job 31:13–15)

Devotions/TOWDignity,Struggles(0)

A godly employer will treat employees with respect and dignity. This is particularly evident in...

19: When unscrupulous people succeed (Psalm 49:16–19)

Devotions/TOWMay my heart bet set on you,The righteous,The wicked,Unscrupulous(0)

Sometimes we think that the righteous should obviously do well in life while the wicked...

20: Proverbs 31 and work (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Devotions/TOWAbilities,Generous,Shrewd,The virtuous woman,Trustworthy(0)

A remarkable connection between the book of Proverbs and the world of work occurs at...

21: Giving and giving thanks (Ecclesiastes 2:18-25)

Devotions/TOWChasing After the Wind,Thankful,Wealth and Possessions(0)

What about the accumulation of wealth as the higher purpose behind work? In Ecclesiastes, this...

22: Work, rest and family (Song of Songs 7:11–12)

Devotions/TOWAdversity,Passion,Stress(0)

The text of Song of Songs describes the marriage of a man and a woman...

23: Suffering at work (Isaiah 29:13; 58:6)

Devotions/TOWCompassionate,Downtrodden,Self-sacrifice(0)

Christians have traditionally equated the Suffering Servant in Isaiah with Jesus. Isaiah’s picture of the...

24: Work for the common good (Jeremiah 29:7)

Devotions/TOWGood,Welfare(0)

In Jeremiah chapter 29, the prophet draws attention to God’s intention that his people's work...

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Called To Work