Mark 6:3-4 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?… If labour was first imposed as a curse, it is turned truly into a blessing by this example of Him who thus wrought. The occupancy of a sphere of lowly industry by Christ, henceforth consecrates it as — I. A SUITABLE OCCUPATION OF TIME. 1. Profitable 2. Healthful. 3. Saves from bad effects of indolence. 4. A source of pure and useful enjoyment. II. AN HONOURABLE MEANS OF MAINTENANCE. 1. Nothing degrading in it. 2. Deserves and commands fair remuneration. 3. Preserves a man's independence. III. A WORTHY SERVICE TO OTHERS. The products of industrial toil, especially of handicraft, are serviceable in the highest degree. Without them the comfort of large communities must be greatly impaired. He, therefore, who works with his hands the thing that is good, is a useful and honourable servant of his race. 1. In the lowliest spheres, the loftiest powers are not necessarily degraded. 2. In those spheres the holiest sentiments may be cherished, and the holiest character remain untarnished. 3. Whilst in them the humblest labourer may know that his toil is honoured, for it was shared by his Lord. (R. Green.) Parallel Verses KJV: Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. |
    |