“Being Built Together” – A Present and Ongoing Work of God
Friday, May 3, 2019
Beloved Congregation,
In 2004, Janis and I were travelling west to visit her mother and stopped in the city of Denver, Colorado to see a few sights around the state capitol building. It was then we saw this curious structure then under construction. When I first saw the building it seemed as if the structure had collapsed. Since at the time I was employed by an engineering firm as a mechanical designer, I felt compelled to investigate the pile of steel more closely. Upon that inspection, I saw that the building was not just a pile of steel, it was really quite sound structurally. It was to become a large parking garage constructed to appear somewhat chaotic although it was to be a fully functional building.
Well, there is no accounting for taste I suppose, and some people have more money and time on their hands than others, but beyond a discussion of aesthetics, efficiencies, and laws of physics we can also observe helpful lessons for the church.
Jesus Christ as the Divine Architect of the church commands us to build, as He said, on,“these sayings of mine” (Mt 7:24). “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 3:11). Jesus has a master plan in the Bible and anything that is not stamped with His Divine authority is in for a devastating surprise when the storms of eternal judgment come (Mt. 7:28, 29).
Another lesson for the church is that of patience in allowing the Divine plan to unfold in God’s own time. Christians may look around at the church today while it seems to appear in disarray and turmoil. In our sadder moments, we may even be tempted to accuse the Architect of folly. Too often, we can look at the present state of the church as I once looked at that confused pile of steel not realizing that it was destined to become a signature landmark parking garage. Today, as we look at the state of the church don’t hurry to judgement, for we walk by faith and not by sight. Patience!
Because, “… you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:19-3:1).
Soon the Temple of the Lord will appear in all its glory. But until that day, let our building construction continue according to God’s design, trusting the plans God has for us and for His own glory! “… to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:21)