I’m sure he experienced the pain of a splinter under his fingernail or maybe the agony of a smashed thumb. He also enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done. For 30 years he faithfully worked as a carpenter before fulfilling his mission. This carpenter not only worked with wood, he laid the foundations of the world (Hebrews 1:10); all things were made by him (John 1:3); He made the first man Adam and fashioned the woman Eve from his side (Genesis 1:21-27; 2:7); He took a survey of His work and saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:25, 31).

God rested from His labor on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). In America we celebrate Labor Day. God ordained that man have a day of rest, spiritual renewal, and a time to re-create and rejoice in our Creator. God sanctified work and gave man purpose. America’s industriousness and work ethic has made it one of the most productive nations in history. But we need to learn how to truly work and truly rest (Matthew 11:28).

God is still working in the world. Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto and I work” (John 5:17). The Scriptures teach the importance and dignity of work. If you want to prosper in your work, study the book of wisdom, Proverbs. You will find principles such as, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labor shall increase” (Proverbs 13:11). (See also Proverbs 13:2, 4, 18, 23.) The apostle Paul admonishes us to “labor working with our hands” (I Corinthians 4:12). The Word of God teaches the value that a new life in Christ should bring to work. “Let him that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28, & 20-27).

Jesus taught that the ultimate goal for labor is eternal rewards. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19, 20). “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” “Jesus answered…this is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:27, 29). Don’t neglect the greatest work of all, the work of faith in Jesus Christ. (See Ephesians 2:8, 9.)

My boss, the Jewish carpenter, wants you in heaven with Him. He is building His children a place that’s out of this world. “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you…I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:1, 2). Jesus made the way for us by dying on a wood-splintered cross for our sins. The Son of God told us, “I am the way, the Truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

My boss, the Jewish carpenter, is building His church of the redeemed. (See Matthew 16:18.) He is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 21). I must admit that a few times I have been discouraged and had begun to put away my tools. But God never gives up on us. He is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:1, 2). He is merciful and patient. If you see me or someone else as not all that they should be, just remember – “Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet.”

If your boss is the Jewish carpenter, you cannot fail. We have this promise, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (II Corinthians 9:8).

The great evangelist, D. L. Moody, of the 19th century used this illustration: “I heard of a man who went into business out in the untamed west, where people said he was sure to fail; but he didn’t. After he had been getting along very well for some years and showing no signs of failing, it was discovered that the man had a brother. This brother lived in the east and was very rich. Anytime there was a need, the brother sent him the much-needed help. Just so with you sinner. You have a brother who is very rich and if you are joined in partnership with Him, He will help you to hold out. It is those who are not joined to Christ who fail, but they who are joined to Him have power and grace. They that trust the Lord shall not want any good thing.”

When your boss is the Jewish carpenter – Jesus of Nazareth – you cannot fail. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and make your plans big! You can join His company today.

“For as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12).