10 by 24 : "Market Place Christianity"

Dear Family,
I thought I will just share a bit on what I have been reading and digesting. Hope u will be blessed.

Matthew quotes a reference to Jesus as the "carpenter's son," using the Greek word "tekton." Tekton means "artificer, craftsman." Mark quotes a similar reference, which specifically refers to Jesus as a "carpenter," a tekton. - Troy Haltom, Bearing one another's burdens.

His Business
Jesus was borne into the market place, he was more than a mere artisan, he was an expert as the word Tekton signifies. Notice that in the beginning of Jesus' ministry, He was recognised more as businessman than as a rabbi or ruler. (Mark 6:3, is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James….)

His Disciples

Jesus intentionally recruited marketplace people who were not members of the religious establishment. He chose people who dwelt in the market place. Ever wonder why? None of the 12 disciples was a leader in the temple of in the synagogue, bypassing this religious circle was intentional. The writing of the gospels were entrusted to marketplace leaders: Luke, a medical doctor, Matthew, a retired tax collector, John, a partner in the food enterprise and Mark, an unemployed millionaire.

In the book of Acts, we see the modern day church conceived in the upper room. The upper room was more than a shack. It was a very large place because it housed 120 people. Who could have offered such a place other than a wealthy man, possibly a business man. The church was borned in the marketplace.

His Intention
Jesus said "I came heal the sick, not the healthy"

If God had made us to be salt and light for the world, clearly we must then go or be in every sense a place which is "lack of favour" and" dark". Jesus' design was for the church to be counterculture. The market place is a dense node where worlds connect , think about the globalised economy. It is also where societal systems are enmeshed and become vulnerable to influences. The market place is clearly the starting point to win the world for Jesus.

Closing
Often, we grow up with the thought that we cannot fully serve God unless we quit our current job. Or we feel that our current job hinders us from serving God. There are some who even feel that we should not be great in our workplace. I am not talking about a heart set on prosperity but one set knowing that our God is a great God who will bless. King Solomon was made the richest and wisest King. Abraham and Job, the wealthiest man in their region. Even though some had no wealth, they had great influence, think of all the prophets! It is not a sin to be great for God.

Throw those thoughts away today that It is a sin to be successful for God in our area of work, God wants us to be successful, but we must know that the underlying reason is always evangelism and to bring Him glory. God place us here for a purpose, be it for a season, there is always a reason. The apostle Paul did not live off offerings and donations given by the churches.

It was clear that Paul and his ministry team did secular work while they ministered the word. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that neither he nor his team members ate "anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labour and hardship, they kept working day and night so that they will not be a burden to others" (2 thess 3:8) Luke was described by Paul as the beloved physician (Col 4:12), an indication that he continued to practice medicine after he joined Paul.

Are you rising up in your assigned workplace for God today?

Market leaders are not just people who churns in big profits for God. They are people who are dedicated to doing His will in their job stations.

Make this your prayer that God will use you in your workplace today.


Shalom,
Teck