This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:23-24
Did you ever think of Jesus as a tool? I didn’t until the other day. I was reading in Acts that Jesus was a living plan of God’s. God made a very deliberate plan to use Jesus to get the job done that needed doing. And what did Jesus do? Jesus let himself be used, to be a good tool for the master.
Do we do that? See ourselves as a tool for the master? I mean, really, do we get jobs done for God? Are some of us lax about it because we have been a Christian for so long? Are we a tool of God’s brand? Are we known for doing tough jobs and being reliable? Do we do whatever job God has for us?
These are all the questions that poured out of my brain when I read Acts 2. Why so many questions? Because doing a job for God is worth doing right. What good is a tool if it misses it’s intended use? What good am I, if I do not accomplish what God would have me do?
In Isaiah, it was prophesied that God would send Jesus to be a tool for Him. His task?… to take up our pain and endure our suffering! He had a purpose and plan from God. What a seemingly impossible task. But you know what? Love can accomplish amazing things! His grace covered all of our imperfections and sin.
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5
It would seem like God was punishing Him, Isaiah prophesied. Do you ever feel like you are being punished, when things go badly? I admit to wondering that myself, when going through trials. But… God is a God of love. Anything we go through is to help or teach us or help and teach someone else. We have a loving purpose in us, given by God. What else could be the reason from a loving God?
He wants us all to love fully. If our neighbor is tight on money, it is our job to make them some food, pay a bill or give a gift card. That is called being a good tool. If our other neighbor is not able to mow their yard, it is OUR job to do it or find someone else to do it, if we are not able. My back won’t allow me but I can find a friend to do it! Could you? Would you? Why did I not fully realize this until now?
Maybe it’s because I feel for those that are limited physically, because I am. That’s how God works. He teaches you and me through suffering. What a joy that we can all do a job for God though! I so want to be a helpful tool in “God’s toolbox.” Pretty much, when we stand before God someday, He will separate the tools that did a good job from those of us that did not.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21
Friends, I am just keeping it real. And, as always, I preach to myself! It is my great hope and desire that we all learn to love better, be one of those “brand name” tools that always get the job done. That’s what we are here for. What a privilege!
DOING things for others is like putting up the BIGGEST BILLBOARD in the world for our Father!
It’s bigger than the biggest billboard! People, so badly,need love, to be seen, to be thought of and considered a friend, to matter. In this dark world, our love shines even brighter than ever. Let’s advertise how loving He is by lighting up the world! Lord, please help us.
Dear Father, You are so good. Thank You for laying all this on my heart today and giving me words. Loving with practical action is something I can do better at. Thank You for being willing to use imperfect me. Please forgive me of my lack of action at times and revive in me a fervor to do ALL I can so others see your love and will want to know more about you. I love You! Amen
With love from the Father to you, have a wonderful day!
Tina
Glory in the Morning 