A LORD-BUILT HOUSE

Psalm 127:1

 

“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

 

Several times I have conducted a choir anthem by Roger Lentz entitled, A Lord-built House.  The song is based on Psalm 127:1.  That got me thinking . . . it occurs to me that, if you want to build a quality building, there are three things of great importance.  First, you must build on a quality foundation.  Second, you need to have a quality builder.  And third, you have to use quality materials
 
The apostle Paul said: “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1 Cor. 3:11).  Well of course people build all kinds of things on all kinds of foundations.  But Paul was speaking particularly of the church.  And the church MUST be built upon the person and work of Jesus.  In Him alone the church finds its purpose, its provision, and its power!
 
I guess we all need to be reminded at times – this might be particularly true of pastors – that we don’t and can’t build the church.  It is Christ’s body and He is its builder.  Jesus said: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18).  The One who put the stars in their places is also the architect on this project. The One who formed the earth and put the land and seas in their proper places is supplying our materials. The one who called light from darkness is supplying the power at the work-site. 
 
And we always need to remember that the church isn’t a building.  It can’t be built with bricks and mortar.  You and me, our neighbors, our friends, and our children; these are the materials that Christ uses to build His church.  This is what Peter meant when he said: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house . . .”  (1 Pet. 2:5).  Believer, you have been chosen, and saved, and called for just this purpose; perfectly shaped and fitted to the particular need and time and place. 
 
I agree with Roger Lentz, “I wanna live in a Lord-built house!”

 

Pastor Keith Andrews