The Master’s Tools
Dad, working 2 jobs to provide for his family had little spare time to work with his treasured tools. Yet, they were there in our cellar when he needed; stored neatly and accessible. I was intrigued by his vice, level and plane.
[Definitions-‘Webster’s New World Dictionary]*Vise: ‘A device having two jaws opened and closed as by a screw, used for holding firmly an object being worked on.’*Plane: ‘A carpenter’s tool for leveling or smoothing wood.’
*Level: ‘An instrument for determining the horizontal.’
Jesus, as Master carpenter uses only the best tools.
“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us (Mark 6:3 NKJV)?”
Jesus has a firm grip; He’s holding me securely in place.
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and my Father are one (John 10:28-29 NKJV).”
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to smooth out my rough spots.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:7-8 NKJV).”
Christ determines my relationship goals. His law of love is a level foundation; keeping me vertically and horizontally in line.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:36-40 NKJV).”