September 26th
“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.” John 5:20 NASB
“12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 NIV
When I was boy, I remember spending time in my Dad’s workshop, watching him work and trying to help out in any way that I could. My Dad was a craftsman in wood and metal and often had several projects going on at any one time. I was awed by his skill and really wanted to do what he was doing.
I wasn’t able to help much as a young boy, because the work was often intricate and required the steady hand of a master. However, there were occasions when Dad did let me help. One time he was fixing the brakes on his prized Austin Healey sports car and had me pushing the brake pedals as he bled the lines. Another time he had me do some bulk sanding and painting on a boat we were restoring. I remember how special it was to be allowed to help in Dad’s work.
When I was 8 or so, Dad made a little tool bench and bought me some basic tools that I could use. I learned how to build some basic things like birdfeeders and thoroughly enjoyed being in the shop with my Dad. I loved to do the kind of work that he was doing, even though my skill level was so far behind his.
As I read Jesus words in John, I saw a parallel in my helping Dad with how Jesus joined the Heavenly Father in his work. When I saw what my dad was doing in his workshop, I wanted to do what he was doing. God the Father’s workshop per se was the people near Jesus in his daily ministry. When Jesus saw what his Father working, he wanted to do what he was doing. In fact, Jesus reached the point in his walk with God that he only did what he saw the Father doing: “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19 NASB).
Each of us has a unique set of circumstances in our lives through which God can work to further his kingdom. We have become adopted sons of God through our trust in Jesus and can work with the Father just as Jesus did. We have daily opportunities to yield control of our lives to the Holy Spirit and follow his promptings. At first we may not have a burning desire to do what God tells us, but as we obey, we should see a love for God, his work and people increasing in our hearts. It’s possible that we may not see where God is working initially. In that case we can pray for the Lord to open our eyes spiritually and help us recognize his work.
Joining our Father in his work will bring a new dimension of joy, adventure, purpose and satisfaction into our lives. Nothing can compare to it. I pray that all of us will pursue it and experience it.
Questions for further thought:
Why does God sometimes ask us to do things that seem uncomfortable or awkward?
What does it mean to be a vessel of honor for the Master? (2 Timothy 2:20-21)
When we are working for a master craftsman on part of a project, who retains overall responsibility and control of the project?
How is obeying the Holy Spirit’s promptings an example of being a good steward? (Matthew 25:14-30)
Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for paying the price for my sin through Jesus and adopting me as your son. I am honored to be part of your family and I desire to do your work. Please forgive me for the times when I’ve ignored or disobeyed your promptings and instructions. Please help me see again where you are working around me and strengthen me to join you in that work. I pray for a newfound joy to fill me when I do your work faithfully. Please teach me your ways, as a master craftsman teaches an apprentice. Thank you, Father! To you be all the glory now and forever! Amen.”