Carved by the Master

December 3

Your works are wonderful.

Psalm 139:14

Bob Birney had plied his trade for more than a few decades, turning out works of art unparalleled by his peers. Such was his gift that his works were sought by other woodcarvers from around the globe.

The tools of his trade were intricate and razor sharp. He knew how to use each one. As he made each cut, removing what didn’t belong, a masterpiece began to emerge.

On this occasion, he was carving the bark of a cottonwood tree. It was the perfect media for small carvings. Two and a half inches thick, its heavily lined structure required great imagination and steady hands to reveal the beauty hidden within. Bob was equal to the task. As he carved, he whispered to himself, “This piece does not fit. It must give way,” and, “You cannot hide. I have seen you for what you are.”

Some found his manor a bit quirky; others understood. The master was at work. He could see things others could not. He was revealing hidden splendor.

As Bob proceeded, the distinct outline of a cabin with steep, sloping roof began to take shape. Over the next several hours, the cabin took on life. Windows carved in relief with shutters to each side were so realistic you could imagine the firelight flickering inside. The stone chimney broke through the rough exterior of the bark at just the right height with smoke curling up as on a cold winter’s day.

Yes, Bob had a gift. In his experienced hands, wood came to life.

†

I marvel at the intricacy of such delicate work. It is sharing God’s gift with the world.

The One Who created us knows why He did so. In His hands, we become purposed. He alone sees the masterpiece hidden within, waiting to be revealed. And only by His hands can what He sees be revealed. He alone knows how to remove the things that mar the true beauty of what is hidden inside. Yet, He can only do this if we yield our lives to Him. And in the yielding, the Master Carver can create in us the likeness of His Son.

Prayer

“Lord, reveal in me the best I have to offer. Cut away anything that stands as a deterrent to that purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 What’s Algegra?

December 2

She is a tree of life to those who embrace her.

Proverbs 3:18

Matt raised his hand and asked, “What’s algegra? I heard my sister talkin’ ‘bout it last night, an’ she said she hates it! Is it like spinach or somethin’?”

Ms. Dennis pursed her lips tightly until her laughter was under control. “I believe your sister was speaking of algebra, Matt,” she enunciated. “It is a form of mathematics,” she said, writing the word on the blackboard so they could see the correct spelling.

Taking advantage of this teachable moment, she explained that algebra is the use of numbers in sets. She made the lesson comprehensive to first graders, finishing with, “And yes, Matt, some people hate it as much as spinach. But math, like spinach, is good for you, even if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”

Arriving home, Matt told his sister, “You need to do your algegra.” (He hadn’t taken notes.) “I hate spinach. But Ms. Dennis said I should eat my spinach, and you should do your algegra ‘cause it’s good for us,” he concluded.

Looking at him through squinted eyes, she asked, “What in the world are you talking about?”

“I heard you say last night you hate algegra,” he said innocently. “So I asked Ms. Dennis ‘bout it.”

Amused by her little brother, she ruffled his hair and said, “Okay, you eat the spinach; I’ll do the algegra.”

†

God wants to reveal to us the intricacies of life. As babies we have beginner-level comprehension. As we mature, we are able to assimilate more complicated matters. The more mature, the deeper our understanding.

Nowhere in Scripture is retirement mentioned. The reasoning behind our self-imposed work stoppage is flawed; it creates a stop-learning mentality.

No, I am not suggesting you never retire. But …

Knowledge is the accumulation of experience. Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge. When we cease to learn, our brains begin to deteriorate for lack of stimuli.

God’s desire is that we embrace learning until the day we die. And although to some it’s like eating spinach, we should always strive to learn. Because, in Matt’s words, “It’s good for us.”

Prayer

“Lord, may I never stop learning the things You have set before me. Stimulate my mind to be sharp and sensible. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Prophet and Provider

December 1

Surely this is the Prophet who is come into the world.

John 6:14

Gwen stood completely still, not wanting to disturb the deer that had come to the saltlick in her backyard. She had come out on the deck to replenish the bird feeders and discovered a doe and her two yearlings eating hungrily from one of the mineral blocks Gwen’s husband, Shaun, had set out for the wildlife in light of the harsh winter months.

The doe finally noticed Gwen, yet somehow recognized she was not a threat and therefore didn’t respond in the normal preservation-driven act of flight. They nibbled away as Gwen watched. 

From time to time one would surreptitiously watch the human in the funny-looking tree and then return to eating. Their acceptance of Gwen’s close proximity made her wonder if they somehow knew this human was the provider of the life-giving substance they so hungrily accepted.

As Gwen began to feel chilled, she slowly retreated to the warmth of her kitchen to observe the deer until they had eaten their fill. 

Watching their struggle for survival triggered a deep sense of awe in Gwen. She was moved by the knowledge that God was using her and Shaun to provide sustenance for His Creation.

†

The crowds on the shores of the Sea of Galilee were enamored with Jesus because of the great works he had done. Feeding over five thousand men, not to mention women and children, was something to take notice of! They believed this work showed Jesus to be the great prophet who would be like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).

And because He had met their physical need, they missed His true identity. And that’s what Jesus told them when, the very next day, they came looking for Him.

He proclaimed a new message: that what He came to provide was life everlasting; more than physical, it was spiritually eternal.

Jesus came to provide nourishment that endures forever. And the food He provides never spoils. He has come so that we no longer have to hunger and thirst for eternity. As we partake of His Living Word, we are nourished and well fed.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for Your perfect provision in Jesus Christ. Create in me a desire to continually feed on Your Living Word. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.”