Take Time to 'Sharpen Your Axe'

There's an old story about a man who was strolling through the woods when he heard the sound of chopping. On investigating, he came across a man, perspiring profusely, as he worked at cutting down a large tree. 

"What are you doing?" asked the walker. 

The response was abrupt! "I'm cutting down this tree, can't you see?!"

"That's not what I meant", said the walker. " I can see what you're doing, but it looks as if you have been working very hard at the job. I really should have asked you how long you've spent doing so!"

"About two hours", came the reply. "But the axe isn't as sharp as I would like it to be."

"Then why don't you take some time to sharpen it?" asked the bemused walker. "That would enable you to complete the job more quickly, and more easily."

"I don't have the time to do that - I have to get this tree cut down!". 

The same wise advice is given by the writer of the First Testament book of Ecclesiastes: "If your axe is not sharp, you will need to be very strong to use it. If you are wise, you will make the axe's edge sharp again. That is how wisdom helps you to do things well." (10:10; Easy English Version).

In our own lives, there are many ways by which we may "sharpen the axe". It may involve additional training; further education - academic, practical, or both; reading helpful books; sharing with, and learning from friends, colleagues, or others.  In Proverbs 27:17, we are reminded that "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

However, one method of "sharpening" is particularly beneficial, yet many of us are reluctant to employ it. It is "Rest". Have you heard the maxim: "More haste, less speed"? Sometimes working harder when depleted physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, actually diminishes results of our effort. Taking a rest - a short break, a brief nap, a day off, even a holiday - can restore energy, renew spirits, and revive optimism.

There are those who seem to think that Almighty God demands continual activity from His people. However, when we read the Scriptures, we discover that there a lot that refers to the importance of rest. Indeed, it starts at the very beginning. In Genesis 1 we read the record of the creation. Then, in Gen.2: 2-3, we read: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done." (emphasis added). This is repeated in the giving of the Ten Words (Commandments): "... in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it." (emphasis added).

An earlier commandment states: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." This is not, as some think, a restriction, because the Lord Jesus declared: "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath;" (Mark 2:27). To Father God, rest is not only good, but essential for fruitful, productive living.

When we look at the earthly life of the Lord Jesus, we see the same thing as, in spite of the demands being made upon Him, He often broke away from the crowds and "... withdrew to the wilderness and prayed." (Lk.5:16).

Peter, in his first letter, tells his readers: "... the Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." (2:21). Is it unreasonable to conclude that making certain to get sufficient rest would be one way by which we might "follow in His steps."?

So, how sharp is your axe?!

When God calls, He equips.

It was just a couple of weeks ago that my wife and I were invited, by a dear friend, to dinner at her home. There was, however, a slight "catch"! She wanted to invite another "senior citizen" from the fellowship with which we worship, and his son who, I was informed, works in a school in France. The idea was that I would be able to converse with him in French!!

As it happened, he decided to come, with his father, to the worship service on the Sunday prior to our dinner date - and I discovered that, as he taught in an International School, he did so in English. His French was possibly poorer than was mine when my wife and I went to live in that country! 

However, that was actually for the good, as this dear man has some (to me!) strange ideas, and certainly doesn't subscribe in any meaningful way, to Biblical doctrines. Let me simply say that it was an interesting evening - and that I was very glad that the Lord, in His wisdom, had equipped me to discuss, in a meaningful manner, with this new friend over a range of theological, moral, philosophical, and scientific topics!

How often we draw back from saying, or doing, something because we think that we are not capable. Has that ever happened to you? You would not have been the first!

The man Moses has just been told, by YHWH that he is to lead the Children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. He wasn't overly excited! 

But Moses said to YHWH, “Oh, Adonai, I am not eloquent, either heretofore or since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then YHWH said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, YHWH? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, Adonai, send, I pray, some other person.” (Ex. 4:10-13).

Moses pleaded with God to let him off this mission. After all, he pointed out (!), he was not a good speaker, and would probably embarrass both himself and God. But God looked at Moses' problem from a different perspective. All that Moses needed was some help - and who better than Almighty God to help him say the right things? After all, it was God Himself Who had made Moses' mouth, and He would give him the words to say. 

It is all too easy for us to focus on our weaknesses; but if God tells us to do something, then He will help us get the job done. If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we can trust that He will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed.

Are you declining a call on your life, because you don't feel adequate? Fear not! If that call is truly from the Lord, He will equip you to do what needs to be done.

Silence from the Lord!

It is interesting to read some of the specific encounters that the Lord Jesus had with individuals while He walked on the earth, in His incarnation. For me, one of the most interesting is the encounter, recorded by both Matthew and Mark, with a Syro-Phoenician woman. Matthew writes: 

"And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly." (Matt.15:21-28).

Did you notice those words: "But He did not answer her a word."? There is something remarkable in this silence of the Christ. We expect Him to be quick to hear every request made of Him by a sufferer. His heart was sensitive, and instantly responded to every request for help. Yet here, He stands and listens to this mother's plea - and answers not a word! He stands, apparently unmoved by her cries, even although He had all power in His hands to deal with the situation.

Why was He thus silent? It was not because He was weak, for His arm is ever strong. It was not because He was so engrossed in His own imminent passion and crucifixion, that He could not think of another's sorrow for, even on the cross, He forgot Himself but showed kindness to others. Could it be, then, that the reason for His silence was that He was testing this mother's faith?!

If that is so - and I believe it to be - then He would have been delighted with her tenacity. She didn't "take the huff", and walk away. No! She had come seeking, and she was determined to find! So she continued to seek His help. How did He respond? With what have been interpreted as harsh words: “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." Wow! What is happening here? 

One of the problems with the written word is that is does not reflect the tone of voice, or the facial features of a speaker. I suggest that those words, spoken by the Lord Jesus, were spoken with a tenderness that made a major difference to them, and with a twinkle in His eyes! And the women came back with a response that must surely have gladdened His heart: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

And so the record ends with words from the Saviour that are more like those we have come to expect: “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly." Her tenacity led to triumph as her request for help was granted.

Have you ever felt that the Lord was ignoring you? How have you reacted? How easily some of us give up if a positive answer to our prayers is not received on the following day?! Okay, that’s probably an exaggeration – but you get my point. God grant that each one of us might have the depth of faith of this Syro-phoenician woman: a faith that, although tested; proved to be tenacious; and was, thus, triumphant.

And to His Name be all the praise, and all the glory.

Just a word!

It was just over a week ago, on a service bus from Motherwell to Wishaw. I was seated a few seats from the front and, at the front, in the section reserved for buggies and wheelchairs, was one of the latter with a young man seated in it and, with him, another, older, gent who was obviously his carer. I have no idea as to the medical condition that confined that young man to the wheelchair, but it certainly appeared to be physical rather than, in any way, mental. His carer was speaking with him and, every so often he must have said something that particularly pleased the young man, as his mouth widened, and his face creased into a smile that seemed to light up the whole bus!

As we drew near to my stop, and I prepared to get off the bus, I determined to speak with the young man before I did so. As I moved towards the door, I stopped, and leaned down. "Has anyone ever told you," I asked, "that you have a most beautiful smile?"

I suspect that I would have received a less enthusiastic response if I had told certain of my friends that they had just won the Euro Lottery, and had now €5million to add to their bank account! The young man was delighted. "Thank you, thank you", he said, as his carer gave me a thumbs-up! As I left the bus, he was still calling out "Thank you. Thank you very much!" Then as the bus pulled out to continue its allotted journey, we waved to each other. Just a brief word - but what joy it engendered! I was so glad that I had had the momentary courage to speak.

So, what was the lesson from that situation? Well, there is more than one! I have taken a personal lesson that I don't wish to share. However, I believe that there is a lesson for all of us - those who read this blog and who are disciples of Jesus, and those who do not make that claim (yet!). It is a simple lesson - that we always look for opportunities to bless others; to encourage; to edify; to assist; to inspire; to embolden.

Writing to his brothers and sisters in Jesus, in Galatia (an area that was situated in modern Turkey), the apostle Paul encourages them with these words: "And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (6:9-11).

I hope that you will take those words to heart and, when the opportunity arises, do good to someone by blessing them - even if it is by just a word!

Judgment Is Coming.

Writing to the believers in the "eternal city" of Rome, Paul makes this statement: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (14:12).

Centuries later, American statesman Benjamin Franklin wrote: "Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." However, there is only one thing that is absolutely certain, and it is neither death, nor taxes. It is that every single one of us will have to face Almighty God for an accounting of our individual lives!

 

So, we would be wise to take heed of the warning given to the Children of Israel, by the prophet Amos, some 500 years before Paul: "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" (4:12); and the words of the anonymous wrote of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (9:27).

Of course, the disciple of Jesus has no need to fear, for "There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom.8:1). How can this be? It is so because the Lord Jesus has paid for our sins and purchased our redemption with His shed blood. He "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Rom.4:25).

Nevertheless, even as His disciples, we still "must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (II Cor. 5:10), where "the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire." (I Cor. 3:13-15). In other words, we need have no fear when we appear before the Father, because the Son will be beside us saying "This one, Father, is mine"! However, we will then appear before the Saviour, Who will judge all that we did "in the body" (II Cor. 5:10). Now that could refer to our fleshly, mortal, bodies. However, the same Greek word is used to refer to the church, as the body of the Christ, and so I believe that this is how Paul is using it here. It is our Christian life that will be judged by the Lord Jesus, because all that went before our conversion was dealt with at our conversion.

Those who die in unbelief, however, not having trusted Christ as their Saviour, will face a different meeting with God. The apostle John describes the awesome scene as he saw it in the Revelation he was given of the Lord Jesus. "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done." (Rev. 20:12). But no one can ever be saved by his works (Eph. 2:9). Therefore, "if any one’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:15). 

I commented, at the beginning of this post, that not even death is certain! That may have raised a few eyebrows. However, God's Word teaches that there will be a rapture - a snatching up - of true disciples of Jesus before the final time of tribulation. Paul writes: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thess.4:16-17).

So, those who are "raptured" will include both believers who have already tasted physical death, and those who are still physically alive at that moment. They are those who will never die! 

I am one of many who are utterly convinced that we are in the very last days, leading up to that rapture. Are you ready for it? If not, then I urge you to act, and to do so quickly. If I may be of any further help, please feel free to contact me using the e-mail address at the top of the blog.