You do realize that the oldest profession is not
prostitution (as is commonly thought).
Actually the oldest profession is a toss-up between artist/sculptor and
landscaper/gardener. In Genesis 1 &
2 we have a record of the beginnings of the universe. When you consider everything that God has
made and has continued to provide for us, it is truly awe-inspiring. His artistic genius is evident in every
single thing that was sculpted (see Psalm 8:3; Romans 1:20). Yet it is also obvious that He is actively
involved in everything that goes on here.
Like a diligent caregiver, His constant care and personal management
within each individual creature and activity are unmistakable. And what’s more amazing is that He created
each one of His special creatures (humans) to also be artistic (Genesis 1:28 –
“rule over” or “subdue” literally means “make something with it” or “be
creative with it”) and to be personally involved in taking care of His
marvelous creation (Genesis 2:15).
Now fast forward thousands of years: Man has messed up big time and ruined His
relationship with God and His marvelous creation too. Yet the artist/landscaper has not given up on
His favorite creatures. Instead He has
chosen to work within their lives to create a solution to their sin
problem. He, Himself has come down to be
one of us, to live the life we were created for and then to pay for all of our
offenses. Thus, He has created the way
of salvation to bless us with life and love and mercy – like a loving Father
would for His beloved children. And, as
Jesus points out in His allegory of the Vine and the Branches (John 15:1) He
continues His work of actively and personally working in our lives to perfect
and build our relationship with Him.
Notice, Jesus calls Him “the Gardener”.
This proves that He is not some entity or supreme being sitting out
there somewhere looking in on us and only acting in our lives when it suits His
overall plan.
As a gardener, then, He will have to prune and pull weeds
every so often. Sin causes “bad spots”
and unhealthy growths that need to be cut off to ensure all of His nourishment
is going to aid in healthy growth. And
He’ll need to pull up the “weeds” in your life (bad habits, evil thoughts, selfish
and greedy actions) that sap all of your energy and cause stunted growth. These
actions of His won’t feel good – they actually may be very painful ordeals to
go through, but remember that He is striving to improve and perfect you; He
wants your soul to grow healthy and produce a good crop of fruit and that can’t
happen when you’re loaded down with the consequences of sin.
So, consider for a moment, the commitment and dedication
He has toward you. Would He have gone to
such trouble and spent so much time and energy unless He really cares about
you? Does this not prove His love for
you? In return He requests for us to
live with Him immersed in His holiness, doing what is right because it is
right; every moment of every day - forever.
This is what He created you for.
Then He will have an optimum environment in which to continue His
artistic genius and loving, intimate care as He works to improve and perfect
you.
Doug
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