Hang with me here. Don’t worry, I’m not re-writing the Bible.
Have you ever said this phrase or seen a bumper sticker with that on it? Everyone knows Jesus was a carpenter, and that He was Jewish…but…was He?
Jill, Laura, and I have been going through a study called The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi. It is so good. It provides cultural background and context to the Scriptures I’ve read all my life. One of the biggest “aha” moments so far is that Jesus was not really a woodworker/carpenter.
I’ve been to Israel twice. There’s not much wood there. It’s not exactly a forested landscape like California. It’s dry, dessert, and stony. There is a TON of rock. Stones, ruins, and rocks are everywhere. All of the ancient temples were built with stone.
In our study we have learned that Jesus was a Tekton. That word means “craftsman, architect, or stone-mason.” That’s right!
Somehow when the word was getting translated into English many moons ago the word carpenter was swapped in there. But we lose so much meaning by that swap.
Think about all the verses related to rock, stone, builder, or even the fact that Jesus was there in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth. Jesus is a designer, creator, architect and initiator. Psalm 139 says that He hand-crafted you and me.
Wow. That’s powerful.
I encourage you this week to dig into your Bible. Find words related to stones and rocks. You’ll discover a whole new level of “wow” coming off the pages.
Maybe Jesus wants to skillfully Tekton your heart? Maybe there’s some work and building or re-building that He wants to do there. I wonder if He desires to chip away at some of the rough edges or places that are hurting you or others? Will you let Him craft, shape, and tekton your heart. Can He give you a heart of flesh to replace a heart of stone? He’s willing to do the work…but He wants to do it with you; in partnership with you.
Maybe He wants to architect a new purpose, vision, or career in your life? I wonder what kind of ways He wants to rock your world? (Sorry about that bad pun.)
Psalm 18:2 NLT says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”
After you think through this a little, leave a comment and let us know what verses or ideas are coming to life in your spirit!
What is the Holy Spirit highlighting to you regarding Jesus as the Rock or stone-mason?
I hope you’ll run to the Rock this week! Joyfully,
Rachel B.