February 4

“At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord.” —GENESIS 4:26

The first spiritual revival to take place in Scripture did not have a preacher in sight. Genesis 4:19-22 tells us, “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. Zilah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.” 

Jabal, Jubal and Tubal-Cain, not names we’re likely to be familiar with, but what is unique about these men is that they are among those mentioned in Scripture who lived during a time when people first began to call on the name of the Lord. Jabal was the first nomad, the father of migration and of farming. Jubal, his brother, was the originator of both string and wind instruments, and became the father of the arts. Tubal-Cain, their half brother, forged tools out of bronze and iron. This was the beginning of engineering and technology. 

These are all good things, designed by God to keep our world functioning, and to bring praise and glory to Him. Martin Luther wrote, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God as much as the monk who prays, not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps, but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty, not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.” 

Jabal, Jubal and Tubal-Cain were not God’s back up team, but His ‘A’ team. They were ordinary people who called on the name of the Lord and trusted Him. Their practical lives were so integrated with their faith in God, that their fields of endeavour became God’s work. And this is God’s agenda for us today. If we’re going to be in God’s ‘A’ team, there cannot be a departmentalization of our spiritual lives that is separate from the practical and material world we live in. 

Whatever our profession or trade; whether we’re a stay at home mom or dad, a student, or enjoying retirement, our agenda needs to be, “I am God’s agent here”. This is real world faith, recognizing that God has placed us where we are for a purpose and keeping our eyes open to opportunities that will benefit others.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, wherever I am placed, keep me mindful of your agenda, and help me to spread your love and kindness. Thank You, Lord. 

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I vigilant for opportunities to serve God wherever I am?