"The Carpenter"

"Isn't this the carpenter?...." (Mark 6:3a)

Yes, "This...is the carpenter", and probably around 5'7, 150 lbs., and for sure a Middle Eastern Jew.

Personally, I find it quite a "worship experience" when I am reminded that The Living Triune God, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, "Author and Perfecter of the Faith," The One Who Is, "from everlasting to everlasting," worked as a carpenter for a couple of the decades He was, "manifest in the flesh," perhaps, from time to time, even fetching water from the well in Nazareth.

So?  Well, the "so" for me is to beware of high-minded philosophy or theology, "deep," or any other "spiritual" endeavor which clouds Him, the One, "Who for us men and for our salvation, came...."  Jesus Christ is He Who, "....became flesh and dwelled among us," and, praise Him, "He is not ashamed to call [you and me] brethren."

Father, in Jesus' Name, my I never forget that You once practiced carpentry.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Through The Praise of Children"

"[You] have set Your glory above the heavens!  Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength...."  (Psalm 8)

The NIV translates verse 2 as, "Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."  So much for "seasoned intercessors"!

The Godhead, "Who have set Your glory above the heavens..," is He of Whom the creed says, "Who for us men and for our salvation came down."  From the outer reaches of the Universe to, "nursing infants," this is the "journey" of the Living Triune God revealed in Jesus Christ.  Beware any attempt at profundity!

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I learn from, "babes and nursing infants."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Who Forms The Human Spirit Within A Person."

"A prophecy: The Word of the Lord concerning Israel.  The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares:...."  (Zechariah 12:1, NIV)

Notice the progression from, "stretches out the heavens," to, "the foundation of the earth," to, "Who forms the human spirit within a person."  Could we call this the journey from the macro to the micro?

Father, in Jesus' Name, I praise You for Your matchless works.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"He Shall Build The Temple"

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!  From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord...."  (Zechariah 6:12)

Our text tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ, "shall build the temple of the Lord."  Of course He will, and He has, and He is continuing.  The Bible tells us that Jesus' Followers are His House and His Temple.  Hebrews 3:6 tells us, "but Christ as a son over His Own house, whose house we are...."  And 2 Corinthians 6:16 tells us, "For you (His Church) are the temple of the Living God.  As God has said, 'I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'"  

"As you come to Him, the Living Stone-- rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious Cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.'" (1 Peter 2:4-6, NIV)

Father, in Jesus' Name, I cannot fathom that You desire to, "dwell in [me]...."  Amen.    

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2