THE CARPENTER

Jesus said to them, My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working John 5:17 (NIV).

I love working with my hands: crocheting, sewing, writing, and painting pictures with oils. My hands have also been occupied with rough carpentry. Many years ago a goat house, milking shed, milk stand and lounging benches for the goats were part of my handiwork. Another project was a three foot by eight foot extension on the corner of the back porch so wood could be stacked for the winter.

I find the fragrance of fresh cut wood very refreshing. It is satisfying when the finished project emerges from the wooden boards. Today, Jesus and Joseph come to mind. Jesus learned His carpentry skills from His earthly father. I thought of the things He might have made: chairs, tables, wash stands, cradles and ladders. He might even have helped build houses in His village. Perhaps there might be something that Jesus made that is still in use today in some remote part of Jerusalem or Galilee. That would be a wonderful treasure find.

The scriptural quotation above applies to spiritual work that Jesus did, healing the sick, raising the dead, curing the deaf and blind, whether on a week day or the Sabbath. Working with our hands is honorable work, whether it is in carpentry, farm work, digging ditches, or any activity in which you use your hands to accomplish a task. II Thessalonians 3:10 says, if any would not work, neither should he eat. This is a lesson that needs to be taught in every school throughout America, from kindergarten through high school.

Father, bless those who use their gifts for You. May they be successful in whatever way they perform. Amen.

(c) 2014 E. Bonnie Ryan