READ: 1 KINGS 19:9-10
Several processes are engaged
in converting a log of wood into a finished product. Before you obtain a carving
out of a log of wood, first, you would need to fetch the wood from the bush.
You will need to saw off the bark of the wood. This was the experience of Saul
of Tarsus. The first journey he made out of Damascus was in a bucket. That was
just the beginning of his problems. The sound you hear when the saw is working
on the wood is that of protest. Thereafter, the sculptor uses hammer and
chisel. This continues for a long while. Obtaining the carving from the wood is
not an instant business. It takes considerable time.
“From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). That was Paul’s remark when he was going through this process. Just when he thought the work was done and it was time to rest, he heard the sound of the saw again. But after the Sculptor has chiseled out things like covetousness, anger, impatience, pride, etc., the carving moves to the stage of sandpaper. After this comes the polishing stage by which time you are almost ready for display.
Carvings are of different categories. There are showpieces which the carpenter will want to display. Elijah was God’s showpiece. After he had gone through the sawing and chiseling processes at the brook Cherith, being fed by birds and some years in the house of the widow, he was moved to the sandpaper stage where he was being prepared for mount Carmel. Eventually it was time to showcase him a mount Carmel and through him the Baal prophets were defeated and destroyed and the nation turned to God. Beyond this, God further exhibited Elijah in heaven as he rode in the chariot of the King of kings while the angels gave him a standing ovation. One quality that made Elijah God’s showcase was his burning passion to please God. He was jealous for God and anything against God was taken as personally against him. How is your zeal towards God? God intends to showcase you both on earth and in heaven but how prepared are you? Are you complaining of the sufferings you are going through for the kingdom? Stop complaining. You are being prepared to become a showcase for men and angels.
“From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). That was Paul’s remark when he was going through this process. Just when he thought the work was done and it was time to rest, he heard the sound of the saw again. But after the Sculptor has chiseled out things like covetousness, anger, impatience, pride, etc., the carving moves to the stage of sandpaper. After this comes the polishing stage by which time you are almost ready for display.
Carvings are of different categories. There are showpieces which the carpenter will want to display. Elijah was God’s showpiece. After he had gone through the sawing and chiseling processes at the brook Cherith, being fed by birds and some years in the house of the widow, he was moved to the sandpaper stage where he was being prepared for mount Carmel. Eventually it was time to showcase him a mount Carmel and through him the Baal prophets were defeated and destroyed and the nation turned to God. Beyond this, God further exhibited Elijah in heaven as he rode in the chariot of the King of kings while the angels gave him a standing ovation. One quality that made Elijah God’s showcase was his burning passion to please God. He was jealous for God and anything against God was taken as personally against him. How is your zeal towards God? God intends to showcase you both on earth and in heaven but how prepared are you? Are you complaining of the sufferings you are going through for the kingdom? Stop complaining. You are being prepared to become a showcase for men and angels.
MEMORIZE: 1
CORINTHIANS 4:9 –For I think that God
has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death; for we are
made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.
