Rebuilt Saints

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” –2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV.

“And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” –Revelation 21:5a NRSV.

As a little boy, I idolized my dad. He was a mechanic, and could fix anything. Even in his 70s, he was still a better mechanic than many that I knew. He often diagnosed and fixed mine and my kids’ cars when I had thrown my hands up in disgust. I fixed several of my friends’ cars during my salad days in college. I don’t do that anymore; the newer ones with their high-tech designs are far beyond me.
Once, a youth group member told me what he wanted to be when he grew up. “I want to be just like G.C. McWatters when I grow up,” I averred. G.C. was an elder at the church where I served as youth minister, and he could literally fix anything. If you had a problem with plumbing, electrical, or that required a carpenter, G.C. was your man. Alas, my carpentry and maintenance skills are lacking, although I love to buy tools.
An appealing feature of Our Lord is His ability to fix broken people. He rebuilt the broken spirit of Peter by the lake shore in John 21:15-18. His image of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is a classic in describing His work of restoring hope in downtrodden peoples.
Our Lord is in the people building business. In a few weeks, I plan to enter that business on a professional level. Hope Harbor Children’s Home and Academy, located in Claremore, Oklahoma (just over two hours from the kids) has hired me to be a youth counselor. They will help me get my license, a process I began nine years ago. It’s a new direction, and a new start. And, it’s scary, with a ninety degree learning curve. It’s a chance to help a population I have always wanted to work with—at-risk adolescents.
Being the geek that I am, I envision my role in this way: My great-uncle Bill Howell, of Austin (I was named for him) serviced P-38 Lightning fighters during WW II. Few weapons in the American arsenal struck more fear into the Japanese than the P-38. The Army Air Force used it to strike down Yamamoto, the admiral who had planned and carried out Pearl Harbor. It accounted for more Japanese aircraft than any other single fighter.
The devil likewise fears Christian young people. Committed Christian youth who make a stand for righteousness are a threat to his hold on this generation. Families have always had problems, and kids suffer as a result. But the restorative power of Christ can build anyone into a valuable tool in the Master’s hand. My dad, Uncle Bill, and G.C. provide the inspiration. Life is exciting. Scary, but exciting.