My husband, Tony. Most of you know “my man.” Tony is going through a job transition in his workplace. A job opportunity came up within his company. He applied for it. He got the position. Tony did what most prudent folks do when a new opportunity comes up – he prayed. Most prudent folks also evaluate the new position and make a list of pros and cons. Even if you haven’t set it to paper, I’m sure you’ve at least made a mental list when faced with a big decision. On Tony’s list, the pros beat out the cons. You know the typical pros – good opportunity, more time at home, still work with people he loves, a new adventure, a new laptop. He also had the typical cons – learning new job, change from the same ol same ol, more commitment initially, change, a smart phone.
You probably think that sounds funny, a smart phone as a con. Who wouldn’t want a smart phone, the latest in technology? Tony. You see, Tony has a dumb phone, a flip phone – egad, gasp! Yep, they still make them – who knew? If you know Tony, you can clearly hear him say: “Why should I pay for a phone when this one is provided to me free and it does the job?” He loves this phone. When it chirps, he’s like a gunslinger with a tie down, right out of a Louis L’Amour book. He grabs it out of his pocket and with a flick of the wrist, that only Tony can do (although Jon is a great imitator of this action) he flips it open! Hello, this is Tony. Quick draw Tony leaves all other flippers of the flip phone in the dust. He is content with this flip phone for two reasons. First, he doesn’t have to pay for it. Second, it does what he needs it to do. This flip phone is provided by his employer in order for him to do his job. This flip phone is the right tool for the job. With this new job though, all of that is about to change.
Yesterday, Tony came home from work and advised he had to go to York for a day of training for his new job. I asked what kind of training. He grinned – cell phone app training. What? He smiled and said – it’s training for a cell phone app. I laughed – hard. Isn’t that hilarious? Tony is going to a cell phone app training class! It’s hilarious because he has a flip phone – an app-less phone – it’s not even an app-able phone. Smile. Tony has to get a new cell phone because he doesn’t have the right tool for the job. He needs to get the right tool for the job.
Let’s turn to the Word…In Bible times, folks were identified by their tribe name, their father’s name, or their occupation or job. Rahab the prostitute. Deborah the judge. Joseph the carpenter. Matthew the tax collector. Simon the tanner. God the Father. Jesus the Son. Holy Spirit the Counselor.
Jobs and occupations can be important, they can be descriptive of who we are, what we do, what we’re interested in. Each job requires certain tools and it’s important that we have the right tools for the job. Look at the examples above. What tools did they use in their jobs or occupations? Rahab – hmmm, we’ll skip that one. Deborah – the Book of Law, a gavel. Joseph the carpenter – wood, nails, hammer, and a band aid. Matthew the tax collector – a pen, some papyrus, and a bank bag. Simon the tanner – some hides, some salt, and a clothes pen. God the Father, Jesus the Son, Holy Spirit the Counselor — outrageous love, a gracious and merciful heart, a forgiving spirit, a cross, wisdom, encouragement, and a world of misfit followers.
Although Jesus doesn’t have a worldly job or an occupation like we do, His job is far greater. Jesus is God’s tool to save the world. Jesus is Our Savior.
For God so loved he world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. John 3:16-17
If God sent Jesus to save us, if Jesus is our Savior, what is our job and what tools do we need to accomplish that job? Let’s try it. Fill in your name. _________ the Christian. Beth the Christian. When I see that on paper, I feel so woefully inadequate. All my mistakes and sins seem to flash before my eyes. You too? The truth is, I am woefully inadequate. But, He is not. If I am His, His Spirit is living in me, and He gives me every tool I need to complete each task of my job – forgiveness, grace, mercy, boldness. Beth the Christian – Beth the Follower of Christ – Beth the Liver of Eternal Life – Beth the Disciple. Knowing Jesus and sharing Him with others is my job. He has given me all the tools that I need. You too.