I understand not all people were aware of our first brief message at the 1st Men’s fellowship for 2021. For some reason some men thought it was the year of the Ox, but it is actually they year of the Job. A year where we should all strive and find work, get a job. It used to be that the definition of a man was a person who worked to support their family. It gave self-esteem to the man, and gave provision for the family. Just a few years ago, we used to call a person who did not work, a leech. A leech is a parasite, who sponges off others. It is something you never want to be known as; a leech. It is very clear, to all if you are a leech or not. Yet some people have no shame. What does the Bible teach us, as the reason for working? Eph 4: 28 - that he may have something to share with those in need. You see, a person who works, firstly gives the LORD his portion. Then he helps others in need. Others, means other people, which is the 2nd greatest commandment. This is the principle of so much teaching of Jesus. Tunics represents many things. And if you have 2, and you give one away, that means you gave 50% away. Basic maths Lk 3: 11. What a job does, is that it enables you to give funds, your hard-earned money, back to the LORD, who gave you your work. Then it enables you to help other people. Then your family, and after all that, get a coffee. A leech is a person who pays/gives to the LORD, not from their own hard earned work- but a person who has no job, and expects others to support them. 2 Cor 8: 2, we see here, there are no leeches. No spongers. But people who understand the principle of God - Give to God and give to others. Rom 12: 13, 2 Cor 9: 12-15 and other verses, encourage us in being able to help others. It is also a joyful and blessed thing to know that others are being blessed through your hard work. Rewarding. So, let us make this year, the year of the job (work). It is always the right time to make a commitment to do something that is right, true and sound. No special calendar day needed for this; just a change of heart. Let us hunger and desire to help other people. It is God’s way. There are people who have learnt how to give. And there are people who still need to learn how to give. Doing something useful with your hands, so you give to others. That is the essence of Christianity.
MCC Admin
9 Adar 5781