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 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 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? Even the most skilled hands are of no use if
limp. There is no quadriplegia among the redeemed.
"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 HIS glory.
"But he that is greatest among you
shall be your servant."