This story is fictional, but based on scripture found in 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Kings 10:21; 2 Chronicles 2:16; 2 Chronicles 8:7-10; and 2 Chronicles 9:21-22, 27

The sun was shining and there was a fresh breeze coming off the Jaffa Sea. What a beautiful day, thought Ephraim. He stood basking in the sunshine, thanking his Elohim. While around him, was the usual commotion that sailors made when unloading the king’s cargo. Ephraim stood on the deck of one of King Solomon’s vessels. It was sleek with powerful sails. Its deck and quarters were immaculate. The exterior of the ship was made strong to withstand the rough waters of the ocean. Nothing but the best for the king. Every three years, the king’s merchant ships would bring back strange treasures from far countries. Some of these valuables included gold, ivory, and monkeys. Yes, monkeys. They were funny little creatures, Ephraim thought, and he remembered back to the first time he had seen a monkey. He had thought how weird they looked and the strange behavior they made by jumping up and down while making an excited chattering noise. However, over time, Ephraim came to enjoy their company, and he now thought that they were cute little things. The king had appointed Ephraim as the royal caretaker in charge of the monkeys. They liked to talk a lot, though. If Ephraim wasn’t so used to them by now, they would drive him batty like they once did. Today, Ephraim was in the middle of overseeing the unloading of a new batch of monkeys that the king’s merchant ships had just imported. Yes, thought Ephraim, they had won him over. They had become his companions over the years and every day they made him laugh with their antics. He supposed that was why King Solomon had decided to keep his kingdom stocked with them. They brought joy to those around them. Ephraim had made this discovery years ago and since then, he determined that no job was too small or insignificant. Thus, he did his job faithfully and with a joyful heart.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into years. However, day in and day out, Ephraim was faithful to feed and care for the monkeys. He never complained that the job felt insignificant because he believed that his job was important if for only one reason. The reason being, that he did his job as unto Elohim. One day, the diligence of Ephraim came to the notice of the king. The king was so impressed that he decided to honor the royal caretaker of the monkeys. Thus, the royal couriers were sent out with a proclamation confirming the king’s desire to honor Ephraim before all Israel for his devoted service. Ephraim looked on with curiosity as he was handed the proclamation. Once he opened it and read it, his eyes began to water. He wasn’t crying because he felt he deserved pomp and circumstance. He was crying because he felt humbled. It was at that moment, he knew he had been tested, found faithful, and Elohim wanted to tell him “good job”. That alone was the best prize he could desire. Years went by and Ephraim became an old man. He could no longer care for the monkeys, but he found something useful he could do. He taught children valuable life lessons in his old age. He taught them a very significant lesson that, no matter how small the job, that “small” job is important. He taught them that in whatever they do, if they honor Elohim, He will honor them. Ephraim’s mind wondered and he thought back to the time King Solomon had chosen to honor him. Although he was grateful to the king for his consideration, Ephraim did not highly esteem the praise of man. However, Elohim used it because it felt like a confirmation to Ephraim of his belief that no job is too small or insignificant if you do it as unto Elohim. Ephraim looked into the face of each student. He bent over and picked up a piece of silver lying on the ground and said,

“You see this shiny like stone, children? This is silver, but it was tossed out and is accounted as nothing. However, even this piece of silver has a job. Its job is to bless our eyes with its beauty. It sparkles and reflects the sunlight when shone upon during the day. So, if the only significant part of your job is to do your best as unto Elohim, you bless His heart. Consequently children, by doing your job joyfully, is enough. Elohim will be greatly pleased with you.”

The End.