The Woodcutter...

Recently I was reading in Nehemiah. In it, we see dedication to the Lord's task and bombardment from the enemy. Satan repeatedly attempted to discourage the work of the people as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. They persevered, and I regularly go to this book for encouragement.

I was reading chapter 10 the other day and discovered something unexpected. Many times, God surprises me with a nice little jewel, seemingly buried within the routine. The people had just finished the wall and many exiles had returned. They publicly read the law, observed the Festival of Booths, and confessed their sin. (The Festival of Booths is observed by constructing and living in a temporary shelter in order to remember their deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness.)

Following this, the people joined together in a vow to God. They recommitted themselves to observing the prescribed ordinances and laws. They also detailed their offerings and donations to the temple, including silver, grain and animals for the offerings. As I read, I was halted by verse 34: "We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our ancestral houses at the appointed times each year. They are to bring [the wood] to our God's house to burn on the altar of the Lord our God as it is written in the law." The last phrase refers to Leviticus 6:12 where the priests are instructed to keep a fire burning on the altar, but I have never thought or read about the donation of wood.

I've cut wood all my life. You could say it's a family thing. I remember watching my dad return home after dark with a truck load of firewood. I remember finally being old enough to go with him. I remember early mornings, peanut butter and honey sandwiches and our old Coleman water jug. I remember the smells and the sounds (man sounds: engines and grunting). I remember the work. And I remember the satisfaction.

I've never been very good at naming trees, but I can tell you how they will burn. In Boy Scouts, I specialized in towers and campfires. I can build you a fire that will burn for days and won't fall down. And I enjoy it. There is nothing like the smell of a freshly cut tree, and a warm, crackling fire is a great reward. That's why I was stopped by verse 34.

I can see the woodcutter. He has cut wood all his life. He cuts wood for his home and perhaps to sell to his neighbors, and he enjoys a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. But today is different. Today is special, because he is cutting wood for the temple. Today, the results of his handiwork will serve the Lord God on the altar of sacrifice. I can almost feel the joy he feels, and I can hear him singing as he works.

(To the tune of "London Bridges")
Cuttin' firewood for my Lord... for my Lord... for my Lord...
Cuttin' firewood for my Lord... and His Temple.

As I enjoyed this picture, God reminded me of something Paul said in Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ."

The woodcutter is encouraged to have the same joy whether he is cutting for the temple or his own cook fire. I am to rejoice in whatever task is before me, not because of recognition or even the satisfaction of finishing the job. I am to work with all my heart...for Him. My joy comes from knowing that every effort is for the Lord, and I continually praise Him for the privilege.