"Tools" of the Master

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. (Matthew 1:24) 

Many craftsmen have a favorite tool. They use it often and trust that it will do the job, and do it well. It stands up to heavy use, day in and day out. It’s easy—even satisfying—to operate. A craftsman might even see his favorite tool as an extension of himself, as a reflection of his skill as a worker.

Now, suppose the craftsman is the Lord, and his trade is building the kingdom, God’s house. Surely Joseph was one of God’s favored tools! Why? Because he was flexible, obedient, and faithful.

Did you notice that God didn’t forewarn Joseph about Mary’s unexpected pregnancy? God let him discover the news himself. Rather than panicking, Joseph was flexible; he trusted God and responded peaceably and discreetly. It was only later that God sent the angel to reassure Joseph in his dreams. Then, after he awoke, Joseph promptly obeyed God and brought Mary into his home. He accepted the child God entrusted to him, and raised him in humility and faithfulness to the Lord.

As God goes about plying his trade of kingdom-building on earth, he has many other favored tools—us. Like Joseph, we can be an extension of his hands and feet if we are available and obedient. He relies on us to display his love and peace in trying situations, and to obey when we’re called forward. He has even entrusted the next generation of Christ’s followers to us. 

Tools belong near their master’s side, ready for use. That’s why we need to spend time with the Lord in prayer every day. Now, we can’t always be praying—we do have other responsibilities, just like Joseph! So as you go about your day, keep lifting your heart up to God. Be attentive and listen for his guidance. Wherever the day carries you, maintain an attitude of availability. You may not always sense his presence. But you’ll be at his side, ready to respond in faithful obedience when he nudges you.

“Lord, use me. I want to be a trusted tool in your hands.”

from wau.org

Transformation

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)

Today’s readings show us two opposite responses to the temptation to be “like gods” (Genesis 3:5). Our first parents gave in to the serpent’s allure, but Jesus didn’t. He did what we could not do. Facing every temptation that we face, he clung to his Father and remained free from sin. 

Sin is appealing, isn’t it? It’s also incredibly deceptive, passing itself off as harmless and maybe even good for us. Imagine how the forbidden fruit must have appeared to Eve—“good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and . . . desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6). But that doesn’t mean fighting temptation is a hopeless cause. This Lent is a time when our lives can change. 

What temptations oppress you the most? A tendency toward irritation or resentment? Selfishness? Jealousy? Choose one, and decide to make some headway in just this one area this Lent.

Here’s one of the best ways to do it: think about Jesus in the wilderness, battling hunger and the nagging voice of Satan. Each time he was tempted, Jesus turned to his Father in prayer, even when it was a great effort, even when the truths he clung to felt distant. And his Father didn’t abandon him!

God never turns away from us either. He is always ready to help us. That’s why Lent is such a vital time. It’s our chance to change directions and cling to the Lord and his word. It’s our chance to say no to the temptations we face and turn back to our heavenly Father. 

When you do this, it will make a difference in your relationship with God. But it will also change the world. Think about the ripple effects of millions of people turning away from the snares of the devil and welcoming God more deeply into their lives! Come Easter, families will be stronger, and faith will be deeper.

“Jesus, show me what is tempting me, and help me turn back to the Father.”

from wau.org