MUSINGS

GOD’S WORK IN HIS PEOPLE As he ends the Epistle to the Hebrews, Paul (who we may be assured was the author) prays that “the God of peace” might “perfect you in every good work ... doing in you what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ”. We should think more of the fact that, as believers, we have been chosen to be the subjects of divine workmanship. Solomon had his masons skilfully to shape the stones taken from the quarry, and carpenters to carve the cedar and sandal-wood for the house, but God is working in patient skill in those He has secured through the work of Christ to form in them what is “pleasing before him”.

What is pleasing before Him? It can only be the choice and excellent features which were His constant delight in the manhood of Jesus here His dependence. His sacrificial devotion to the

Father’s will, His meekness, grace, and faithfulness, His fulfilment of all righteousness, His compassion towards men in all their need. Now, by His Spirit, God is forming in His own what is Christ-like in character.

An artist, with skill and patience, executes on a canvas a picture which reflects his tastes, and so also a sculptor with a rock he has carefully chosen, but how wonderful it is that in us God is working to produce and refine what is “pleasing before him”. Let us lend ourselves to what He would bring to pass as He uses every aspect of our lives to further what is choice and distinctive under His eye.

FCM