The place of
spiritual nativity is not a ward, but
a workshop. It is there GOD
introduces us to the JOURNEYMAN of HIS
SPIRIT. HE is given to guide us
into the skill of HIS choosing for our
life work from that day on.
"And HE gave
some, ... for the work of the ministry
..." It is HIS
further role to impart to us the
passion and skill of the trade, so
that one day, we too can be trusted to
aid HIM:
"Till we all
come in the unity of the faith, and of
the knowledge of the SON of GOD, unto
a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of CHRIST:"
"Ezra had
prepared ... to seek ..."
The true apprentice is diligent,
studious, and eager, recognizing that
all he is, he owes to the JOURNEYMAN:
"THY hands
have made me and fashioned me: give me
understanding, that I may learn THY
commandments." The
religious day laborer, on the other
hand, toils for his own selfish ends:
"Ever
learning, and never able to come to
the knowledge of the truth."
"Ezra had
prepared ... to do ..."
Unto what line of service are you
keeping GOD waiting? There must
be no quadriplegia among the redeemed,
for even the most skilled hands are of
no use if limp.
"Ezra had
prepared ... to teach ..."
The aim of the JOURNEYMAN in the
workshop is to produce a vessel able
to carry the blueprint of gospel grace
to another life devastated by sin and
in need of reconstruction.
"For we are HIS
workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS
unto good works, ..."
"Ezra had prepared his heart ..."
It all starts
here, doesn't it, with the heart as a
personal Bethlehem of the living GOD?
"The preparations of the heart in man
... is from the LORD."
Ezra was prepared ...
to
excel to greatness and did so under
the watchful eye of the JOURNEYMAN WHO
allows for no shortcuts in preparing
us for our work and HIS glory.
"But he that is
greatest among you shall be your
servant."