Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. -John 14:12 (NIV)

Reflect
When I was told that I was going to see the irrigation system that had been built in a remote place in Ethiopia I envisioned pumps, large hose lines and sprayers. That is often the thinking we in the developed world would approach a project in a developing nation. To my amazement I saw people using primitive tools and hard physical labour to accomplish an incredible irrigation system. The people diverted a small portion of water from a nearby river, built a very small canal out of stone & cement and used the grade of the land to irrigate some sixty plus acres of land. This land had been turned from a barren scrub brush covered land into a beautiful oasis filled with vegetables and even banana plants. It also literally provided life for some of these farmers. The most interesting thing to learn was that the only critical activity they needed to attend to was keeping debris from the canal. If that became blocked there was no water flow and the irrigation would cease.

Jesus promised that while we are living in this world, we will be able to do the same great work that He did while He was in this world. And He said we will do even greater things than He did after His resurrection and His trip back to heaven to be with His Father. Just like the canal provided the pathway for life giving water to the plants, a clear connection to Jesus and His teachings is the lifeline for doing great works as Jesus did, and even greater works.

Pray
Jesus, you have promised a life filled with discovery, joy, peace, learning and giving as I serve. Help me to live and learn your word and live a life that always thinks of you first and ready to serve others.