THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
A carpenter was in court giving evidence about an accident he had witnessed. The lawyer was trying to discredit his testimony.
Lawyer, "And just how far away from the accident were you?"
Carpenter, "Exactly 27 feet and 6 and 1/2 inches."
Lawyer, "Why are you so sure of that distance."
Carpenter, "Because I knew sooner or later some nut would ask me, so I measured it!"
**********************************************************************************
Zech 6:12-13
12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
KJV
**********************************************************************************
Jesus is the "Branch of the LORD" (Isaiah 4:2) that came from "the rod of the stem of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1). He is God born into humanity, known as "the Carpenter, the son of Mary" (Mark 6:3).
Jesus is the Builder of the spiritual "temple." He is the One Who "shall bear the glory," for none other can build the temple of God!
You and I are the rough stones used for the temple. Jesus must trim and square each one to perfectly fit. Each individual believer is being trimmed, squared, polished and prepared for a place in Christ's Holy Temple.
He trims us with affliction.
He squares us with suffering.
He polishes us with His Word.
All of the work, in each believer, is performed by Jesus, the Master Carpenter. No affliction or suffering can sanctify us except it be by the Master's hand. No other instruction or wisdom can be given to us except by His Word. Only Jesus can make these unfit "stones" ready for that Holy place. Only Christ can fashion our hearts, cleanse our minds, and prepare our souls for His glory.
And all the work upon each stone is done here on earth. "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." (1 Kings 6:7)
But when each is finished, they shall be fully prepared, and shall take their place in the Master Builder's Temple.
AH! YES!
"The difficulties you face,
Are a preparin' you a place,
Where you shall eternally stand,
Fashioned by God's own hand.
And it's only a little time,
'Til in glory sublime,
You'll sing with the angel band,
Fashioned by God's own hand!"
Love ya,
Bruce