The Carpenter

I seldom watch television in the afternoon, but when I do, the channel is usually on a remodeling home show. What starts out as a simple redo usually turns into something major when rotten flooring or even termite damage is found. A few times busy little bees have invaded the space. It is disheartening when something simple turns into a major overhaul. 

     Often, I think that I, too, need a major overhaul. In Romans 8, I find that God foreknew, predestined, conformed, called, justified and glorified me. I believe this has happened or will happen over time. I am being remodeled everyday by God’s special tools. It often takes a major remodeling tear out. 

     I am still waiting on the finished product, but I have confidence that the finished product will be beautiful. I have the best and greatest Carpenter of all time! As in the home show, I just need to step aside and let the Expert do His work. 

Carpenter or Stone Mason?

     According to Wikipedia, Tekton is an ancient Greek term for an artisan/craftsman, in particular a carpenter or wood worker or builder.  The term is frequently contrasted with an iron-worker, or smith and the stone-worker or mason.   
     Why did I look this up?  When I visited Israel, our tour guide stated that Jesus' earthly father, which referred to in the Bible as a carpenter, could very well have been a stone-mason.  After seeing the ruins in and around Israel, I found this to be an interesting concept. 
     Most of the houses during that time were constructed with stones chiseled or carved or stacked in building blocks.  Also, in and around the area where they lived, there was very little access to trees and wood. 
     I decided to go further and look up information on typical homes which were built during that time.  I found that most smaller homes were little more than a square, stone structure covered with a whitewashed sort of stucco.  Some houses in hilly regions were partial cave dwellings.  Still another source stated homes were made with a rough stone foundation and mud-bricks on site with a minimum of wood used in the roof structure.
     I looked for information on furniture but found little.  We know there were tables from scripture readings.  Seating was probably some chairs or maybe cushions.  I have no idea.
     Whether Jesus learned His father's trade with hammer and nail or by hammer and chisel is, I suppose, really irrelevant.  We are not told much about that simply because it is not what is important.  What I do know is that Jesus was a Master Craftsman of the heart and the Cornerstone of my life.  He knew His Father and He was willing to sacrifice His life for me.  He knew the pain of rejection , as well. 

Matthew 13:55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? ..."

 

Mark 12:10-11 "And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:  This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." 

Acts 4:11 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the corner."

Ephesians 2:20  "...Christ himself being the chief corner stone."

 

 

Reclaimed Lumber

     As I settled into my recliner snuggled beneath a cozy blanket, I flipped the television channels and landed on a remodeling show. The contractor was using reclaimed lumber in one of his projects. It had a blended attractive mix of colors.  When I observed the beauty of the project, I began to wonder just “what is reclaimed wood?” So I looked it up.
     Reclaimed lumber comes from old barns, factories, warehouses, even wine barrels, boxcars, and mines. This wood shows signs of natural inconsistencies like holes, dents, and often previous infestation; it has age and character not mimicked by newer woods. Its textures combine age, grain, and previous wear to form an eye-catching piece of art. Through its aging process, just like adding spice to a recipe, it has been seasoned properly and made strong and durable.  I am sure if reclaimed wood could talk there would be a story to tell.
     There is a lot that can be said about the inconsistencies of holes, dents, and textures and how a skilled carpenter can take it and form a masterpiece.  Isn’t that what God can do and does do for His people? He takes the broken, wayward, down-trotted, the jagged and messed up to create a new life. No matter how dysfunctional the past has been, God will hone it, carve a new beginning, and polish it to meet His design.  He has been waiting to turn those who look to Him into a final beautiful piece of artwork. Though His amazing grace God uses our flaws; He seasons, strengthens, and opens doors of opportunity that can be as varied as the grains and textures of reclaimed lumber.  
    Our assurance comes in knowing that God is the master carpenter and He watches over His work.    

Proverbs 19:21  "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

The Carpenter's Foundation

     We studied about the foundation and the cornerstone set by Jesus last Sunday.  It reminded me of how precise a carpenter has to be when he constructs a home.  However, no matter how solid man sets a foundation, there is only one which will truly stand, and that is the foundation and cornerstone set by Jesus.   No other can raise a temple in three days, but when Jesus died on the cross He raised a temple in three days, and he established Himself as the very cornerstone of life.    Ephesians 2: 20b "...Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."  John 2:19 "Jesus answered  and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

The Carpenter’s Foundation

Wham, wham, wham!
Tap, tap, tap!
You could hear the echo of the hammer
  as the boy worked along side his dad-
  a simple life portrayed.
It was just a carpenter’s trade,
  one the boy had come to do.

Wham, wham, wham!

Tap, tap, tap!
The foundation soon to be hammered in place;
  the cornerstone set!
A death to cover mankind's debt.
This Carpenter would build the way
  with blood and sweat.

Wham, wham, wham!

Tap, tap, tap!
Do you hear it pounding in your ear-
  the nails being set in place,
  see His pain, sweat, and blood
  dripping with His labor of love?

Wham, wham, wham!

Tap, tap, tap!
One cross with 3 long nails-
  the people's anger unfurled.
A foundation set before the world.
Behold the tender embrace
  of a Carpenter come to build a dwelling place;
A cornerstone set by His nail-scarred hand,
  unshakable as the earth quaked and rocks rent the land.

Wham, wham, wham!
Tap, tap, tap!
The final nail in place;
  the Cross slammed into the ground.
Darkness fell and silence was the sound-
  a death, a resurrection, a call!

Listen! Rid your doubt,
  heed His shout,
  “It is finished! Come unto me."
By the Carpenter's nail-scarred hand,
   He has set us free.
                             Mary Crisp Jameson