Tuesday, July 25, 2017
We recently found online a nice, big conference table for our church conference room. It was out of town, so we got a truck, trailer, and some volunteer members to go pick it up. When we got there, it was even bigger than we determined and it was clear we would have to take it apart. Because of its size, there were at least a couple dozen long screws that needed to be removed. But I didn't bring a screwdriver! Thankfully, one of us thought to bring his cordless drill which did exactly what was needed in quick order.
WHAT'S THE RIGHT TOOL?
In working on any project you need to have the right tools. The wrong tools can make a mess quickly and lead to more frustration and discouragement. Can you imagine how the disciples felt? After Jesus had risen from the dead, He walked with His disciples for 40 days. During that time He promised them that after He ascended into heaven, He would send them the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them with His Great Commission to share the Gospel to all the world (Acts 1:4-8). What a project! What’s the right tool for that?
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Jesus kept His promise. The Holy Spirit brought the Apostles the gift of tongues and languages to be able to share the Word of God to every nation, people, and tongue. But even more than that, Jesus gave them what to speak "as the Spirit gave them utterance" to share God's Holy Word and Christ crucified for sinners like you and me! Jesus gives us still today the right tools for His project He has commissioned us for: The sharing of the Good News of our Lord Jesus' work on the cross for our salvation! The Bible is the ONLY tool that’s going to fix and build up a faith in Jesus. The work of Christ is the ONLY message and gift that will get us to heaven.
Like that big table, so often we feel unprepared for the "big" task of sharing our faith with others. We don't always feel gifted or qualified for talking about death, life, and our Savior. But Jesus has already given us the right tools. He's given us a faith in His Word and He has promised to be with us and bless us like He did for the Apostles. After all, like them, we also are His tools to use for this great and glorious purpose!
