Experiencing God in the Marketplace
Memory verse: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another. And all the more, as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
For too long Christians have assumed God’s activity generally occurs at a church building on Sunday. In reality, throughout Scripture God was continually at work in the marketplace. When God launched His great work to bring salvation to all humanity, He called Abraham, one of the most successful businessmen of his day (see Gen. 24:35). Abraham’s son Isaac also prospered in the marketplace (see Gen. 26:12-14). Like wise, Isaacs son Jacob became wealthy through his business acumen (see Gen. 30:43). Joseph served God not as a preacher or a missionary but as a grain administrator (see Gen. 41:37-57). Moses had a profound encounter with God while working as a shepherd (see Ex. 3:1-6). Elisha was invited to join God’s activity while plowing a field (see 1 Kings 19:19-21). Amos declared that he was not a prophet or the son of a prophet but a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore trees (see Amos 7:14). Daniel served God as a government official.
Jesus was trained as a carpenter. When He began calling the 12 men who would walk with Him as His disciples, He called fishermen (see Mark 1:16-20), a tax collector (see Mark 2:14), and other career people. I believe one reason Jesus called businesspeople is that they are not intimidated by the world. They live and thrive in the marketplace. Once these businesspeople had experienced life-transforming encounters with Jesus, they were prepared to turn their world upside down! Joseph of Arimathea was a businessman who, though fearing the religious leaders, had the courage to approach the Roman leader Pilate for Jesus’ body (see Mark 15:42-43; John 19:38). Lydia, a businessperson, was a key member of the church in Philippi (see Acts 16:14-15). Two of the apostle Paul’s supporters in his church-planting ministry were Aquila and Priscilla, also businesspeople (see Acts 18:1-2).
Why was so much of God’s activity accomplished in the marketplace? Because that is where people lived throughout the week. The same is true for believers today. Church on Sunday provides an opportunity for the saints to be equipped for their mission work throughout the week at their job sites.
Many people are discovering that God has placed them in their companies so they can be witnesses to their colleagues as well as to customers. I could tell you numerous stories of people who led their colleagues to faith in Christ. I know business leaders who lead Bible studies for their staffs during the lunch hour. Some physicians pray with and share Christ with patients. Many of the people who meet Christ in a workplace would never have dreamed of visiting a church on Sunday, so Christ sends His servants to job sites where they encounter people who need to hear about Him. I believe churches ought to have commissioning services for those who go into the marketplace every Monday morning in the same way we pray over missionaries who travel to other countries to share the gospel.
Once businesspeople have discovered that God has granted them prosperity so they can invest their wealth in the kingdom of God, suddenly, rather than being absorbed in their work, these men and women find that a new world of God’s activity in His kingdom has opened to them. Some have begun using their resources to build church buildings around the world. Others have invested in Bible colleges and seminaries that are training people for Christian ministry. Others have supported orphanages and ministries to those suffering from hunger and disease. Jesus commanded those who would be His followers, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).This command is not just for people in full-time Christian ministry. Jesus expects every disciple to make his or her first priority to be involved in the building of God’s kingdom and then to see how God provides for all their other needs.