Brothers and Sisters: become disciplined! God takes delight in those who are ready to be used. When we find ourselves tempted away from our time with the Tree of Life, we must remember that we are no longer our own. We will find that we cannot go and do our “good” will without His spirit whispering, “Come away and spend time with Me.” In the Body of Christ, we have our particular function to fulfill and this requires time spent “beholding the Head.”
Ezra is a wonderful example of one who was prepared to abide like a branch. Just as a prepared Ezra found God’s hand was upon him, we too will enjoy seeing God’s purposes worked through us once we’ve been prepared.
This Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all he requested because the hand of the LORD his God {was} upon him. Ezra 7:6
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice {it,} and to teach {His} statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10
Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put {such a thing} as this in the king’s heart, to adorn the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, and has extended lovingkindness to me before the king and his counselors and before all the king’s mighty princes. Thus I was strengthened according to the hand of the LORD my God upon me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:27-28
Did Ezra know how God would use his knowledge of the law? Do we know how God will use us? The answer is not our concern. The how or when is not the branch’s business. Our only concern is to “behold the Head” and then to be ready to obey. As we spend time with Him, we show ourselves to be available, willing and in submission – all characteristics of a vessel.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 1 Tim 2:20-22
It is serious business when we are under the hand of the Lord. Sin must be put away. If sin is not put away the Lord is faithful to treat us as sons using discipline to make us meet for the Master’s use.