She was tough, but with a soft heart. That may be why she was such a good spiritual mentor to incarcerated women. The power source for this 90 plus year old woman became clear when I read the sticker on her car: “I work for the Jewish Carpenter.”

Yes!

I imagine walking into Jesus’ workshop to report for duty. He turns to me, a nail between his teeth and a tool belt wrapped around his waist. He gives me a welcoming grin and removes the nail so He can tell me about my new job. I already feel overwhelmed and wonder if I’ll be up to it. They say some assignments can be fun, others terrifying, and some of them will amaze you. They also say He hires everyone, fires no one, and rehires people who previously left His employ. He even has a party when they return! I hope all of that is true.

“You look terrified,” He says and adds, “Don’t be. I personally hired you and will never leave you to your own devices. I’ll always be there to help you overcome any problem or scheme our competitor comes up with. You’ll never work alone. Now let me show you our tool storage area.”
I follow Him into a vast warehouse and scan the shelves. It looks like every tool invented by man has a niche somewhere. “I’ll provide you with any tool you need to get the job done. However, I may ask you to relocate or open a branch office. We’ll see.”
Does He mean be a missionary or plant a church? Me? Is it too late to leave?

As if reading my mind, He says, “Every once in a while, you’ll get a coded message from me, just to reassure you I’m walking beside you. Those who don’t know Me call that a co-incidence.” He winked. “You will know it as a God-incidence. I warn you, though. I have complete control of your schedule. I may assign you to help someone at four in the morning.” He smiled. “Or I may gift you with a long vacation in your favorite location. Your yearly compensation will be a generous payload of gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

I nod and with a shaky voice say, “Okay.”

Jesus gives me a hug and whispers in my ear, “And don’t forget. You can’t beat my retirement package.”
I love change, and this job looks perfect—scary, but perfect. It’s a new year and time for a new career!

Isn’t it a blessing that this parable is true? Jesus is our Lord and if we serve Him faithfully, blessings abound. We’re assured He has our back and is in full control. Each of us can be an employee of the Jewish Carpenter, but perhaps disguised as a teacher, accountant, salesperson……

May this year bring each of you joy, love, and a step close to imago dei—the image of God you were created to carry.