"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."(Hebrews 3:1 NIV).

Many of us would like God as a partner in our business. We assume it would guarantee success. However God is more interested in us becoming partners in His business than He in ours. When it comes to doing business, God Himself has chosen to go the way of partnership. He has no intention of acting as a sole entrepreneur, although He obviously would have no problem doing so. One of the profound truths of the Christian faith is that God Himself is a community of oneness- Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one in divine essence, sharing equally in divine attributes, yet distinct in person and office. This relational, partnering God, created the human race in His image and after His likeness. That is why we are relational beings with a longing to be a part of the divine enterprise.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us all to persevere under pressure and not to lose a grip on why we have been called by God. If we shrink from our commitment to Christ and a daily walk of faith where we commit all our works to Him and let Him handle them, we are in danger of losing out on what God has for us. If we drift (Hebrews 2:1) or harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:8) we will no longer remain active partners in the work of God.

The offer of being a part of what He is building is conditioned upon our response (Hebrews 3:6; 3:14).

Today, God is looking for those who will partner with Him in what He is doing. Another term for these partners is 'companions'. Are you willing to be a companion in the heavenly calling? The Greek word 'to share' is translated elsewhere in the New Testament as 'companions' (Hebrews 1:9) and 'partners' (Luke 5:7). The thought of being God's partner or companion runs through the Bible. Adam was originally commissioned as a partner in exercising dominion over the earth with his wife as co-regent. Abraham was called a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). The Lord spoke with Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). (Moses, often referred to as 'my servant'.) David acted as a companion in many ways. "I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." (Acts 13:22).

The Lord Jesus called to Himself people to be His companions. He called them disciples. Some would be called apostles. They had to be taught and trained until they behaved as companions. To be the Lord's partners we must be willing to cooperate with Him in faith. We must be willing to be companions with Him, in life, in work, in suffering as well as in glory. "You are those who have stood by me in my trials." (Luke 22:28 NIV).

What a noble calling we share! Don't lose sight of it. Take a good long look at Jesus and you will understand God's business. As the Father sent Him (apostello) so He sends us (John 20:21). Encourage each other DAILY to be God's partner and faithful companion lest the deceitfulness of sin harden your heart and rob you of your inheritance (Hebrews 3:13).

A fellow partner in the enterprise,