Anyone that has any skill in the construction field or with remodeling, including do it yourselfers understands that there are basic principles and standards that need to be followed in order to begin and complete any type of project. There are tools and machines that are designed for specific tasks that when used properly can achieve amazing results. There are also many facets of individual trades that one can specialize in but in home construction the greatest emphasis goes into the building of the foundation.

The foundation is the basis of all home construction that determines the stability of the house. Before the foundation is laid though an architect designs the home and draws the blueprint that sets the groundwork for how the house will be built. Once the foundation is completed the carpenters build the framework that ties everything else together.

So when we consider this and look at our own condition we see that Jesus is invloved in every aspect of building our spiritual house. He is the architect, he laid the foundation, built the framework, and has all the tools to start and finish the job. He uses the plumb line to make sure the house is straight and uses the level and square to assure that the house will not lean to the right or to the left. Naturally I am speaking in more modern terms as this was not the case in the time that Jesus grew up. Carpentry was a craft for artisans that used specialized tools to carve and shape wood into the basic components necessary for a modest household. Tables chairs and most other furniture was handcrafted. Wooden bowls and utensils for cooking were essentials that carpenters would make to sell to whoever was able to afford them, so that these commodities had great value. We often take for granted the things we use on a daily basis, but in many parts of the world people eat with their hands. I was sent photos from India where the people were served rice on leaves. I myself as a child grew up practicing many skills. I started to draw when I was 5 and throughout my life I was known as the artist. My father wanted me to be a doctor but started teaching me carpentry when I was 6. He specialized in working with formica which is a durable laminate that is used to create countertops and store counters. He was also a finish carpenter and cabinet maker and he built wall units and furniture. One day when I was old enough to understand he pulled me aside and explained to me that he was teaching me these things so that if I ever went through hard times I could always have a way to provide for myself. People that have watched me work have told me they like to see me work because I take great care to be precise. I do things the old fashioned way which also demonstrates my level of expertise. Although people may call me a carpenter I consider myself an artist so I go about doing things in an artistic and creative way. I'm not an architect but I can design structures and draw the plans. This helps me to understand the concepts of building the way Jesus would have understood them. Yes he was the son of a carpenter as I am, but he is the Son of God. I understand how I am a son of God as well but it's only through my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my Savior. Take a good look at yourself and you can see how you were fearfully and wonderfully made. You can see how the Architect and Master builder took great care in forming you and has laid a foundation that cannot be shaken. There is a framework for your life that will bring everything together in due time, and the one that began the work will take it to completion. He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Alpha and Omega, First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Just let Him do what He knows how to do best. You do what He called you to do. Once everything is said and done you might find out that the mansions Jesus spoke about are the Spiritual houses God has been building in us. Shalom