If Jesus was a carpenter, what kind of tools would he have used?
The Roman Era, during which Jesus practiced his craft, was a golden ago of woodworking. Thanks to technological advances and innovations during the relatively peaceful reign of Rome, most of the tools available to nineteenth century carpenters would have been familiar to Jesus. Why does it matter?
I find it interesting that we so often wonder about the tools used by others to create. We see something beautiful and want to know how it was made? What tools were used? Often we respond unimpressed - "I could do that" - why else the popularity of Pinterest?
And yet in our Christian lives we have been given so many tools - worship, study, service, giving - and we debate whether they are important in our lives. We are given additional tools - love, grace, mercy, compassion, kindness - and we tuck them away.
Jesus provided the perfect life to be used as the measuring tool. If we are so willing to copy fools and clowns, why wouldn't we seek to copy perfection.
Perhaps in this world gone astray, we need to dig deeper in the tool box. Perhaps we need to dust off some of the tools. Perhaps we need to use ALL that we have been given. Instead of worrying about the tools others are using, maybe we should spend more time using the tools we have given.
The LORD said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said, "Behold I am about to put a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer. Amos 7:8 NAS
May God find you faithful in using all the gifts and tools He has given you.
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